The Chicago Tribune (local) has an article about updated plans for the new fire department headquarters being built in Glenview.
Final designs are underway for the new Glenview Fire Department headquarters near the village hall campus.
Glenview trustees recently discussed the project at 1215 Waukegan Road, the site of a former police station.
The fire station had to move from its location at 1815 Glenview Road because that site is part of a four-story development between Pine and Church streets.
The former police department building, which has been vacant for six or seven years, was originally considered for renovation, but after the village looked closer at the costs of updates it was decided to tear down the building and construct a new one, said Village Manager Todd Hileman.
“There was no real budgetary difference between rehabbing and ripping the building out and starting anew,” Hileman said.
The project, budgeted at about $5.5 million, is scheduled to be finalized by the village trustees in August, he said.
“We are currently bidding out the work right now for demolition and site work,” he said, adding that the former police station is scheduled to be demolished in September.
During a July 16 village meeting, trustees directed the architects to look into expanding the station so it can accommodate three fire trucks. They also considered different options for the size and material of the building’s roof that could change the cost of the project.
Trustee Michael Jenny supported expanding the station, increasing the number of bunk beds from six to nine, and other officials agreed.
“I’d be much more inclined to spend on flexibility as opposed to aesthetic improvements,” Jenny said during the meeting, adding that he would prefer the cheaper shingled roof.
Most of the other trustees also favored a shingled roof instead of a metal one, which costs more but lasts longer, according to the project’s planners.
Fire Chief Wayne Globerger said he would prefer to expand the station even more to include a half bay for the battalion chief’s vehicle. This way during winter time, for example, the battalion chief, who travels to every incident in town, could easily access his car through the garage, Hileman explained.
But Globerger said the department could adjust its operational details.
“We’ll make it work with whatever you give us,” Globerger said.
Previously we posted articles on the move and temporary quarters.
The entire packet with drawings can be downloaded : GlenviewSta6.
#1 by Behind the mic on July 27, 2013 - 8:18 AM
They’ll only care when it affects them. “WHY WEREN’T YOU HERE SOONER?!?”
And sometimes a minute is all it takes…
#2 by Mike Mc on July 25, 2013 - 10:17 AM
Let’s not confuse fiscal responsibility with greed. If the highest and best use of the downtown property is for private development, that is a good thing for the citizens of Glenview. Building a new station on property owned by the city, even if it not an ideal location, would be conisered a smart move by most people.
Do you really think the citizens care about a one minute increase in response time?
#3 by Bill Post on July 24, 2013 - 10:32 PM
Scott yes this fire station relocation has smelled of political greed from the beginning. The old station 6 was a nice station in a pretty decent location. While the location of the new station will be built where the old police station was, it still is somewhat closer to Engine 13. While Engine 13 should definitely stay where they are, it would have made more sense in terms of village coverage to move Station 6 further south of Glenview Road probably around Waukegan Road heading south toward Golf road, or even around Harlem somewhere near the tracks or closer to the south end of town.
There is no question the station is being relocated to the site of the old police station for political expediency as the city wouldn’t need to acquire more land for the new station.
It seems like the Glenview fire chief just went along with the plan as they were reporting on hearings on this matter a few times over the last year and I didn’t hear about any official objections.
It looks like greed won again.
I have a great idea for a relocation. Lets relocate the L and the N from the Glen in Glenview and instead relocate a R and another E there and then relocate a D after the two E’s and what do you have Greedview. Now that sounds much more accurate then Glenview and after all the city fathers won’t have to spend a penny on relocating a couple of letters in the name of their town.
#4 by Jr on July 24, 2013 - 9:16 PM
A decreased response time to one area also means an improved response time to a new area. Futthermore, Sta 7 is right down Glenview rd, and Sta 4 isn’t far either. Think they will re-map the
6-7 still districts?
#5 by Jr on July 24, 2013 - 8:01 PM
For sure Scott, the land old Sta 6 is on is big $, prime downtown real estate.
#6 by Scott on July 24, 2013 - 5:41 PM
So why relocate and build a new firehouse when the end result will be lengthened response times to that west end?? I get you won’t find an absolutely suitable location but something tells me this downtown “development” got into the Glenview board members’ ears.
#7 by Mike Lopina on July 24, 2013 - 2:02 PM
I remember when they built the current Station 6 back when that was the only Glenview firehouse and it had the open cab Seagrave midmount. I think they also ran with a Seagrave engine as well. The Squad was a Ford/E-one midi-pumper and the Seagrave engine was replaced in the early 80’s with a Ford C/Pierce or E-One. Anyone have pictures of those????? The new firehouse is only 1/2 mile north and east of the current Station 6. Engine 13’s quarters is still pretty far east of that. This move will add about a minute to Engine and Amb 6’s responses to the west end of their still district.
#8 by Bob on July 24, 2013 - 12:28 PM
Seems like the new site on Waukegan is quite close to station 13?
Gotta have a nice station to house those shiny new rigs.