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Council clears zoning and funding steps for public safety center and Squirrel Park plaza projects
Summary
Councilors approved zoning and enabling steps May 5 for a new consolidated public safety center and for the next-phase plaza and historic restoration work at Squirrel Park.
The West Lafayette Common Council approved zoning and related ordinances on May 5 that advance two city development projects: a new public-safety center combining police and fire facilities, and the next construction phase of Squirrel Park, which includes restoration of a historic caretaker's cottage and a public plaza.
Public-safety center details: City staff and the project architect described a multi-use building that will house an expanded police lobby, fire drive-through apparatus bays, a training tower and a parking structure. The project is intended to replace an aging 1960s fire station (Fire Station 2) and provide modern decontamination and training infrastructure. Architect and development staff said the layout separates public spaces from secured police areas and provides locker and decontamination zones on the fire side; the project also includes a stormwater plan and on-site parking.
Squirrel Park and historic preservation: The council also approved a rezoning and second-reading ordinance to allow the next phase of Squirrel Park development, which will accompany a PRF-led restoration of a relocated historic barn (Caretaker's Cottage) and the creation of a plaza, playground and path connections. PRF project manager said construction of the plaza and a 40-space parking lot is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
Votes and next steps: The council passed the zoning amendments and ordinances by roll call. City staff said the public-safety center design has involved repeated meetings with police and fire, and that next steps include procurement, permitting and coordination of construction schedules. Members highlighted the planned improvements to firefighter safety and the need to keep an essential station in the city's core.
Ending: The council's votes move both projects into detailed design, permitting and procurement phases; staff expects to update the council as contracts are awarded and construction timetables firm up.
