The building that houses Troop D of the Pennsylvania State Police is receiving a $3.2 million to $3.5 million renovation that will include a two-story, 6,000-square foot addition for the patrol unit, indoor updates throughout and an outdoor rain garden for water runoff.

BUTLER TWP — At 66 years old, she's still an eye catcher. She's sturdy, strong and healthy.

But the historic building that houses Troop D of the Pennsylvania State Police is in need of a little more legroom and a bulldozer-sized makeover.

Work has already begun on a $3.2 million to $3.5 million renovation that will include a two-story, 6,000-square foot addition for the patrol unit, indoor updates throughout and an outdoor rain garden for water runoff.

“She's a fortress. Still looks fantastic and was so well constructed,” Lt. Stephen Russo said. “But this (addition and upgrade) is going to help us serve Butler County better.”

The building, which is on 10 acres overlooking “Barracks Hill” along New Castle Road, is the legacy of Col. Cecil M. Wilhelm, who was police commissioner from 1943 to 1955. Before him, barracks in the western side of the state were leased.

Wilhelm advocated ownership, and the first three barracks were built: Butler's Troop D; Washington's Troop B, and Lancaster's Troop J.

When constructed, the sister facilities were considered state of the art, and as time has passed, the Butler site has been well maintained, Russo said.

But now there's a need for upgrades to the heating and air conditioning system. And, as the responsibilities as well as the number of state troopers continues to grow, there also was need for more office space.When the building was constructed, the state police had 1,800 employees. Now there are 4,400.Officials won't say exactly how many troopers are stationed at the Butler barracks, which is the headquarters for troopers in Butler, Beaver, Armstrong, Mercer and New Castle. Just last week, Troop D got three new troopers from the 122 graduates from the State Police Academy.“We need the room,” Russo said.The addition will be built to the side of the existing structure.All upgrades already have been approved by the state Bureau of Historic Preservation.The equipment in the front yard is constructing a rain garden to catch and distribute runoff in an environmentally friendly way.Completion of the project is expected by November 2017.“Like a Christmas present to us,” Russo said.

State Police Lt. Stephen Russo talks about expansion at the Butler police barracks.