Chicago Construction News staff write
The Village of Buffalo Grove has officially initiated plans for the demolition and reconstruction of Fire Station 25, at 505 W. Dundee Road.
Originally built in 1975, the station replacement will better accommodate modern firefighting operations. The redevelopment project aims to improve emergency response capabilities while minimizing disruptions to public safety services.
To ensure continuity of fire services during construction, the Buffalo Grove Fire Department will temporarily relocate to the former Public Works building at 51 Raupp Boulevard. This temporary facility was selected for its strategic location and existing infrastructure, which can accommodate fire apparatus and equipment. The move will allow the village to accelerate construction while ensuring that all emergency services remain uninterrupted.
Importantly, services previously available at the Dundee Road location, including blood pressure checks and the baby safe haven drop-off, will continue at the temporary site.
Key design elements of the new station include:
- Larger Vehicle Bays: To accommodate modern fire trucks and rescue vehicles, which have grown in size since the original station was built.
- Updated Infrastructure: To meet current safety standards and building codes, ensuring compliance with modern fire station requirements.
- Expanded Living Quarters: To house the growing number of full-time firefighters and support staff.
- Optimized Station Layout: Designed to improve response efficiency and facilitate faster deployment of emergency personnel.
- Enhanced Training and Fitness Facilities: To support firefighter readiness and well-being.
The new building will feature reinforced concrete and steel frameworks for durability and resilience. Additionally, energy-efficient systems, including LED lighting, optimized HVAC, and improved insulation, will reduce operational costs and minimize the facility’s environmental footprint.
The redevelopment of Fire Station 25 presents unique construction challenges:
- Demolition Phase: The existing facility must be safely dismantled without disrupting surrounding infrastructure or services.
- Logistics Coordination: Construction materials and heavy equipment will be staged efficiently to avoid congestion and delays along W. Dundee Road.
- Safety Compliance: Strict adherence to OSHA guidelines and fire safety protocols will be essential throughout the construction process.
- Weather Considerations: The project must be planned around potential weather disruptions, especially during the colder months.
The project will rely heavily on union labor and skilled tradespeople, including steelworkers, concrete specialists, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians, to meet the project’s timeline and quality standards.
