The City of Southlake on Friday broke ground for the new $13.3 million Southlake Department of Public Safety North Training facility set to go up near Dove Road and White Chapel Boulevard.

Lee Lewis Construction kicked off construction for a new 37,000-square-foot building, which will feature an indoor gun range, a ladder company and police reporting stations.

"This facility helps the city keep a promise of enhanced safety and security for our residents," City Manager Shana Yelverton said in a statement. "The vision of the City Council and the Crime Control Prevention District Board will be realized in about 14 months when construction is complete."

City leaders say the new facility will help to reduce response times and provide broader coverage to residents.

"The new facility will greatly enhance the medical care and response times for police and fire services for the residents in the northern part of the city," DPS Director Jim Blagg said in a statement.

The city's Planning and Zoning Commission approved the project in January 2010, followed by the City Council in June 2010. Construction for the project is being paid for with money from the city's Crime Control & Prevention District.