Introduction to the New Police Station
Plans are in the works to build a new police station on the site of the former Spring Hill Mall in suburban West Dundee.
The mall once bustling was demolished last year after the village bought the property.
A metal fence and mounds of rubble is all that’s left of what used to be Spring Hill Mall. Crews were doing demo work Thursday afternoon as the village prepares for its first redevelopment project on the 70 acres sites.
Need for a New Police Station
“It’s something I think that’s been needed for the last six or seven years,” said Joseph Cavallaro, West Dundee Village Manager. “We’ve been evaluating it and with the mall redevelopment it really transitions into the logical location.”
The village on Monday selected an architectural firm to draw up designs for a brand new police station. The village manager told NBC 5 they wanted to find a central location for officers, who currently share a space with firefighters at the public safety building off 8th Street.
Project Details
“Both departments have really outgrown so the intention is relocating police out gives firefighters the opportunity to expand and then create a new 34,000 square foot facility for the police department for the future of 40 years,” he said.
The project is estimated to cost between $20 to $25 million dollars. The village is looking at a combination of bonds, money from TIF, and development revenue to pay for the building, which could break ground next year.
“The new facility is really going to add the recruitment effort for the village as well as our existing employee group satisfaction with their roles and responsibilities.
Redevelopment Plans
While the design is still in the early stages, the village manager said the goal is to transform and bring the former mall property back to life with a mixed used development that will include retail, restaurants, office spaces, and some residential.
“I think it’s going to be something they’re [residents] going to be extremely proud of,” he said. “It’s always been the center point of our community and I think that’s one of the reasons why we’ve taken the initiatives—we have to kinda make sure this is done right for the future.”
The village manager said they hope to have the final design plan by this summer.
Conclusion
The new police station is a significant step towards redeveloping the former Spring Hill Mall site and providing a modern facility for the police department. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the community, with a mixed-use development that will include retail, restaurants, office spaces, and residential areas. The village is committed to making sure the project is done right, and residents can expect to see significant progress in the coming years.
FAQs
Q: Where will the new police station be located?
A: The new police station will be located on the site of the former Spring Hill Mall in suburban West Dundee.
Q: How much will the project cost?
A: The project is estimated to cost between $20 to $25 million dollars.
Q: What will the mixed-use development include?
A: The mixed-use development will include retail, restaurants, office spaces, and some residential areas.
Q: When can we expect to see the final design plan?
A: The village manager said they hope to have the final design plan by this summer.
