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City hears progress update on new police headquarters; chief cites construction milestones and a $100,000 used generator purchase
Summary
Chief John Burke told the Lake Forest City Council that construction of the new police headquarters at 1925 Field Court has advanced to interior work, with drywall, mechanical systems and masonry progressing; he said a gently used $100,000 generator was purchased to avoid a longer, costlier new procurement and that the Illinois Department of Corrections will inspect the cell area.
Chief John Burke updated the Lake Forest City Council on June 1 on construction of the new police headquarters at 1925 Field Court, saying the project has moved from major structural work into interior finishes and systems installation.
"Construction of the new police department continues to progress very nicely," Chief John Burke said, and described completed concrete foundations, structural steel for a central stairwell and elevator, and substantial masonry work in the sallyport and detention cell areas. He said interior walls are framed, drywall installation is underway and electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire protection and technology infrastructure are advancing throughout the building.
Burke told the council that 44 fire dampers initially delayed progress but the compliance issues were resolved with the architects, engineers and the HVAC supplier. He said the Illinois Department of Corrections is scheduled to inspect the cell area, which is roughly 80% complete with masonry, and that the inspection should allow the contractor to finish that portion in the coming weeks.
The chief also described the city's recent acquisition of a gently used emergency generator from another agency. "If we were to purchase a new generator from the moment we ordered it until it was delivered, we were looking anywhere from 13 to 18 months and that price would have been in excess of a million dollars," Burke said. He added that the used unit was purchased for $100,000 and is expected to be craned into place within weeks.
Burke walked the council through photographs of the site, noting the sallyport ramp and an underground evidence garage that will also serve as vehicle storage and training access. He highlighted interior features such as planned range ventilation and a slanted collection wall for spent rounds on the training range.
The chief encouraged residents to check the city's website for status updates and said staff plan a future update or video walkthrough with Deputy Chief Zel to show continued progress. When the mayor asked for questions, none were raised and Burke concluded his report.
Next steps identified on the record include the scheduled Illinois Department of Corrections inspection for the cell area and the imminent delivery and installation of the emergency generator.
