Architects studying Arlington police station
FGM Architects will study the cramped Arlington Heights police station and figure out a list of options: Expand, totally rebuild on the site or rebuild somewhere with more room.
Once trustees pick an option, FGM would also like to be the architects for the new building.
Charles Witherington-Perkins, village director of planning, said having FGM in charge of the study while still interested in the final project isn't a conflict of interest.
"This happens in every community," he said. "It hasn't been a conflict in the past, and I don't envision a conflict now. Plus, there is no guarantee they'll get the job."
FGM is conducting the eight-month study with McClaren, Wilson and Lawrie, a public facility consultant based in Arizona. Together, the two companies were paid about $140,000 for the study.
It's common for architectural firms to conduct a space-needs study and then bid on the same project, said MaryAnn O'Hara, vice president of FGM, which is based in Oak Brook.
"We will give the board a list of options and pros and cons," she said. "We won't leave anything out."
FGM has done "dozens and dozens" of similar space-needs studies throughout the northwest suburbs, she said.
Should the board decide to expand or rebuild the police station, FGM "would definitely submit for it," O'Hara said.
Trustees said that once they get the report, they don't have to approve FGM's options if they don't like the choices, and there's no guarantee FGM will be awarded the project anyway.
"It's up to us to evaluate what they say," said Trustee Norm Breyer.
In the past few years, FGM oversaw the new $30 million village hall project and two new fire stations, so the firm has a good reputation in Arlington Heights, said Trustee Bert Rosenberg.
"I have heard nothing but good things about them," Rosenberg said.
Trustee Tom Hayes said FGM wouldn't say there is a problem with the police station if there wasn't one. He also said it's pretty clear the station needs some upgrades.
"Obviously to the casual observer something needs to be done," Hayes said.
The police station was built in 1978 and is almost 37,000 square feet. When it opened, the station had about 80 officers. Today, the police department consists of 150 people.
The Arlington Heights police station should be twice its current size, O'Hara told trustees at a committee meeting on Monday.
During the meeting, Arlington Heights officials toured the police station's jail, records department, forensics room and firing range.
Crowding topped the list of problems, along with a leaking roof and leaking overhead pipes. In addition, most of the building is not handicapped-accessible, O'Hara said.