In Twin Peaks Part 9 on Showtime, there is a short establishing shot of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Inside, Dougie and Janey-E wait while Detectives Fusco hear a statement from Bushnell Mullins. The architecture screams southern California, so I knew the building wasn’t shot in Las Vegas or Washington state. But where was it located in California?
WHERE IS THE LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT LOCATED IN TWIN PEAKS?
In reality, the building is located at 140 N. Isabel Street in Glendale, California. I found the location on February 9, 2018 after first identifying a scene that takes place behind the building. I finally had an opportunity to visit the location on May 22, 2019 during a trip to Los Angeles.
I’ve added all the locations to an aerial view of the area. The scenes for both Parts 9 and 13 were shot on the same day, February 5, 2016.
According to the City of Glendale Civic Center walking tour booklet, this former Glendale Police Station was constructed in 1960. It was designed by Raymond Jones, whose later work with other architects is seen in an addition to City Hall and at the Glendale Unified School District, and Marion J. Varner, known for designing government buildings in nearby cities.
A state-of-the-art facility at the time of its construction, it was built at a cost of $1.1 million. By 1990, the Police Department outgrew this 1960 facility and a new headquarters was constructed in 2003 across the street at 131 North Isabel.
In October 1960, the Valley Times reported that the new police headquarters was open. Glendale’s 160-man police force would then be under one roof in the new building.
LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT IN TWIN PEAKS PART 9
There is a scene in Part 9 where Detectives Fusco are discussing a repaired tail light. If you look carefully, you’ll notice a part of the word “Glendale” on a police car. That clue, along with a brown and white “Civic Center” sign, quickly revealed the location via an image search.
I also recall telling my wife Katie shortly before finding this location, “I bet the building is located in Glendale.”
The front of the building reminded me of Walt Disney Imagineering headquarters located at 1401 Flower Street in Glendale. Both buildings have a similar Mid-Century modern vibe, so perhaps my love of that architectural style drew me to this spot.
Street view on Google Maps wouldn’t let me zoom in but the building shape, architectural features, and color clearly match.
I also believe scenes were filmed inside the building. Look out the window and you’ll notice a multi-story parking garage.
This parking garage is directly behind the City of Glendale building as seen in Google Maps (again, street view wouldn’t let me zoom in on the details).
LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT IN TWIN PEAKS PART 13
We return to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in Twin Peaks Part 13 on Showtime. This time, a different establishing shot is used. But it’s the same building as before.
There is short scene where Anthony Sinclair visits with Detective Clark that takes place behind the building as seen below:
The building across the street is actually Ralph’s, a local grocery store.
