The Daily Herald reported on July 14 that construction crews will soon begin work on a new fire station in Palatine, marking the next major public safety project for the village. This development comes as residents continue to adjust to the ongoing construction of the new police headquarters.
Work on the satellite fire station at 1215 N. Quentin Road, located at the corner of Echo Lane, is expected to start within the next 30 to 45 days. The village council recently approved a contract with a guaranteed maximum price of $2.56 million for the project, which includes subcontractor bids, contingency funds, and other costs. When factoring in design, furnishings, and administrative expenses, the total project cost is approximately $2.98 million—just under the original $3 million budget.
While the village is hopeful for state funding, it’s not relying on it. A potential $575,000 contribution from the state’s capital plan could help reduce the financial burden, but Village Manager Reid Ottesen said the village is preparing for the possibility that it won’t receive any additional support. “We’re planning for the worst,†he said, adding that he believes there’s about a 50-50 chance of receiving the funding.
To fund both the new fire station and the larger $23 million police headquarters, Palatine will issue two separate bond measures. This phased approach was chosen to avoid unnecessary interest costs by only borrowing what’s needed when the projects are ready for completion.
Earlier this year, the design of the 8,700-square-foot fire station was modified to stay within budget. While most changes were cosmetic, the number of firefighters the station can accommodate was reduced from six to five. However, if the village doesn’t agree to waive its requirement for automatic sprinklers in the noncombustible attic space, some of these cost savings could be offset.
Once completed, the new station is expected to open in March or April 2025. The existing Dundee Road station will close, and the space will be taken over by the Masonic Lodge. Fire officials say the new location is crucial for improving emergency response times in the western and northwestern parts of Palatine, where the current station is farther away.
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