Designed for crime

The palm trees sway near walls of frosted glass panels and bold splashes of orange paint. The glass doors open to reveal a light-filled lobby with a stark-white staircase that soars over the wood floors, sleek lounge chairs and an imposing front desk. But don’t ask the uniformed staff behind the counter to book you a $300 a-night room with a city view. These are LAPD officers in the new Hollenbeck division station and most of their bookings involve assault, grand theft auto and other major crimes.

The new station, located on First Street in Boyle Heights, opened for business on Saturday. But a dedication ceremony is not expected until September, according to the guys behind that chic front counter. Designed by AC Martin Partners, the new 54,000-square-foot station replaces a smaller facility down the street and will house about 200 officers and staff.