Oswego Police Headquarters Wins 'Project Of The Year'

OSWEGO, IL — The new Oswego police headquarters has earned an award from the Fox Valley branch of the American Public Works Association, who named it Project of the Year in the Fox Valley in the $25 to $75 million projects category, according to a news release. Officials in Oswego say they were notified of the award this week.

"We planned this new police headquarters knowing that we wanted to create something special — not just a law enforcement facility but a place that invites the community to be partners in public safety," said Village President Gail Johnson. "That's reflected not only in the design of the new station, but also in the way that so many people came together to make that vision a reality. This award recognizes all of their hard work and determination."

The APWA cited construction management techniques, safety, environmental considerations, community outreach, innovation and sustainability as factors that helped them reach their decision.

"We are very proud of our new headquarters, and we're pleased to be recognized with this award," said Police Chief Jeff Burgner. "By working closely with our construction manager, Gilbane, and entrusting decision-making to a top-notch steering committee, we were able to complete the project on a very tight time frame of just 20 months, on time and on budget. This facility came together because of a lot of team work, from the architect to our policing staff, and I think this award really reflects that team effort."

Officials said to accelerate the building process, the team planned a construction timeline that allowed work to continue in the winter months. Village staff and contractors also took a phased approached to purchases for the station, which they said allowed them to keep costs low.

"The use of the construction management delivery system allowed the construction team to get on board early in the process and evaluate different design scenarios and building elements from the standpoint of cost, appropriateness for the project and schedule," said Tom Leonard, senior project executive at Gilbane Building Company, which ran the project. "There was a lot of constructive back and forth within the project team during the design phase to arrive at a building that was 'right sized' for the Oswego Police Department and that incorporated a firing range, patrol garage, training room, and men's and women’s locker rooms that would meet their operational needs."

Officials said the award recognizes the role of partnerships throughout the community in building and operating the new public safety campus. For example, the facility to was located next to the fire station to share costs and increase training opportunities. The facility also created space for organizations like the Kendall County Health Department to provide community services like counseling and other assistance to crime victims.

"With any project of this scale, there are challenges that arise with issues like soil, water tables, and a volatile market for materials. This was a team that worked collaborative, planned ahead for contingencies and devised creative solutions to meet those challenges. Most importantly, we had zero days lost to injury on this project," said Public Works Director Jennifer Hughes. "We've got an amazing new facility that's going to serve the village for years to come. The award is really the icing on the cake."

Officials say the new HQ is also under consideration fro a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver Certification from the U.S. Building Council. Among the building's environmentally friendly design considerations are a solar tower that heats the lobby and sidewalk to reduce gas consumption and winter salting; lots of natural light to cut electricity consumption; native plantings to support biodiversity and reduce water consumption; and special care during construction to reduce waste and prevent soil, water and air pollution.

"Our entire HOK design team takes great pride in this recognition of our design and collaboration with the Village of Oswego, the Oswego Police Department, and construction manager," said project architect Larry Hlavacek, senior associate at HOK. "The progressive and contemporary design of the new headquarters resulted from this great collaboration and demonstrates a commitment to excellence, the community, and environmental sustainability."

For more information, and to read the project's nomination,click here.

Image via Village of Oswego