Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Facilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Oak Park staff proposes staged renovations and space‑needs analyses for three fire stations
Summary
The finance committee reviewed renovation design and construction timelines for Fire Stations 1, 2 and 3, plus space‑needs analyses to determine whether existing sites meet future staffing and operational needs. Water intrusion and failing equipment at some stations prompted prioritized repairs and study funding.
Staff presented capital proposals for Oak Park’s three fire stations and recommended a mix of design and construction work combined with space‑needs studies.
Fire Station 3 (south station)
The north half of Fire Station 3 (kitchen, day room and office) has not been renovated in more than 30 years. Staff said design is underway and the majority of construction is planned for 2027; some of the MEP work (rooftop HVAC unit replacement, piping and controls, sprinkler dual‑check valve and switchgear) will be combined into the single project.
Fire Station 2 (north station)
Station 2 has experienced water intrusion into the basement despite recent exterior waterproofing work. Masonry and waterproofing repairs are proposed as priority items. Staff said the village paused a space‑needs analysis earlier in 2025 pending fire staffing studies and will restart the analysis; the space study will inform whether to reuse, rebuild on the current site or relocate the station, and staff recommended prioritizing that study so a recommendation is available early next year.
Fire Station 1
Staff recommended targeted MEP work at Station 1, including fire panel and carbon monoxide detector upgrades, sprinkler pipe replacement sections, electric water heater upgrades and exhaust fan replacements based on the facility PCA report. Staff also proposed a space‑needs study for Station 1 to evaluate locker, restroom and living‑space layout before committing to larger renovation dollars.
Why it matters
Several trustees said the waterproofing and masonry concerns at Station 2 could be deferred if the village decides to replace or relocate that facility, but staff cautioned the building would likely remain in service for at least two to three years even if a decision to replace were made. The space‑needs analyses are intended to align capital work with staffing changes and long‑term operational needs.
Sources: Staff presentation and trustee discussion at the Sept. 25 finance committee meeting.
