Lake Forest plans new $20.8 million police headquarters

Lake Forest officials are sharing new details about plans for a new police headquarters in Conway Park. The building will replace the current police and fire department location, which is outdated and too small. City leaders, including Mayor Randy Tack, believe the current headquarters, built in the 1960s, is no longer adequate. Last year, the City Council approved the purchase of an empty building at 1925 Field Court for $3.5 million. This building is now set for renovation. According to Police Chief John Burke, the new headquarters will be approximately 56,000 square feet, much larger than the existing 22,000 square feet building. The first floor will have space for records, private meetings, evidence storage, and even a polling place. Administrative offices and training areas will be on the second floor. Burke emphasized the importance of having space for future growth. He reported that police staff visited similar projects in the Chicago area and found that planning for expansion is crucial. The design will include open spaces distributed throughout the building. There is also a third floor in the Field Court building, but the city does not have immediate plans to use it. Other law enforcement agencies have shown interest in leasing this space. Officials are also considering options for a firing range for police officers. They presented three choices to the City Council, which showed preference for placing the range at the Field Court building. A final report on its location will be ready soon. Currently, the projected cost for renovating the new police building is estimated at $20.8 million. This is down from a previous estimate of $28.8 million. City Manager Jason Wicha noted that actual costs will be determined once the project goes out to bid. Additional costs include $6.2 million for 10 years of capital management and about $250,000 for maintenance services, like cleaning. The existing Deerpath building will also need renovations to serve as a fire department facility. Despite concerns from residents about response times due to the new location, Olson, a city spokeswoman, believes police response will remain effective. The goal is to move into the new building by August 2026. The city recently hosted open houses to share plans with the public. Residents expressed support for the new police headquarters, agreeing that the current facility is too small.