Hoffman police station gets first OK

Police officers might be known for wearing blue, but the new Hoffman Estates police station will have a focus on green.

Plans for the station include energy-conserving features like a green roof system and patio to reduce the heat on the roof. There are also photo-voltaic panels for harnessing solar energy.

The village board gave preliminary approval Monday for the exterior design of the estimated $32 million police station, slated to open in August 2010 at 401 W. Higgins Road.

Trustees had looked at two design finalists. The one selected was Chief Clinton Herdegen's top choice, though he said he'd "have been happy with either one."

Representatives from Deerfield-based SRBL Architects and MTI Construction Services LLC of Elgin were on hand Monday to tout their designs and to present a slide show to the board.

The designs also include an open patio area that would incorporate the veterans memorial outside the current station at 1200 Gannon Drive.

Village officials said they'll pay for the station with two bond issues totaling $54.9 million bond issue. Plans are to put the extra funds toward a new fire station eyed for the west side of town and planned and village hall improvements. Officials said borrowing won't lead to a property tax hike nor will a voter-approved referendum be required.

The village spent $2.9 million on the land in January. The total cost of the station, including the land, construction and design, is estimated at about $32 million. MTI told the village it would submit an updated estimate later this week.

The new station will be at Higgins Road and Spring Mill Drive, the former site of a restaurant.

The police department consists of 105 members. Herdegen said the force has outgrown the current station. That building housed village hall before it moved to its current location on Hassell Road.