The Glen Ellyn Police Department in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, has been recognized with an Excellence in Architecture award from the American Institute of Architects NE-IL Chapter and a Silver Medal Award from the Association of Licensed Architects (ALA).
Dewberry, a privately held professional services firm, designed the 29,000-square-foot facility as part of a design-build team with Leopardo Construction. More than double the size of the previous facility, the new building was carefully designed with input from the police department to meet their needs and most importantly, improve safety.
The primary staff entry opens to an inviting break area with warm natural finishes.
The first floor of the facility includes a community room that serves as a meeting space for homeowners associations and other local groups. It also contains the records, patrol, booking, and holding areas; space for evidence processing; locker rooms; and a break area and fitness room. A new sally-port was designed away from public view for safer operation.
The second floor consists of the administration and investigations areas, and a training and emergency operations center. Future expansion detailed in the building’s master plan include evidence storage, patrol, and investigations along the east side of the building. Inspired by the natural setting of the surrounding park, the building’s massing and exterior material palette include stone, glass, and durable fiber cement panels that resemble wood. Completed two months ahead of schedule, the facility is located in close proximity to a busy commercial corridor that generates a larger amount of 911 calls.
The first-floor community room serves as a meeting space for local organizations with direct views of a neighborhood park.
The southwest corner of the building features a two-story public lobby as well a transparent community room. The south public parking lot also includes access to the adjacent park’s walking and jogging paths.
Prior to construction of the new facility, the firm completed a comprehensive space needs analysis of the former police station, suggesting eight options for the Village. “Dewberry’s continuing interest in finding a solution for the Village’s facility needs has earned the trust and respect of Village staff and leadership,” said Deputy Chief of Police Administration Robert Acton.
Dewberry was presented with the Silver Award from ALA on October 2, 2017, during the ALA Design Awards Program reception and dinner. This program is the organization’s annual showcase of the power of design by its members.
