Work Begins On Temporary Ravinia Fire Station In Highland Park

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Redevelopment work began this month at the Ravinia Fire Station in Highland Park with the erection of temporary construction fencing in Brown Park.

City staff expect the fencing to be up for about 60 days, with the temporary station in place for up to 15 months during construction of a new facility at the same spot where the existing station was built in 1929.

The demolition of the old building is planned for the spring of 2022, with construction of the new station to follow. It is expected to be complete in late 2022 or early 2023, according to Fire Chief Joe Schrage.

"We feel like we've designed a great building that's going to last for 100 years," Schrage told councilmembers. "I hope."

The Park District of Highland Park has granted the city permission to use a portion of its property for the temporary Ravinia station, according to city staff. The site must be leveled, paved and have utilities installed to allow for modular living quarters, an equipment garage and a construction trailer.

Staff said the relocation to the temporary station would not have an impact on the ability of the fire department to respond to 911 calls.

On Oct. 12, the City Council approved contracts with two firms to build the temporary facility.

Osman Construction, of Arlington Heights, and Grevers Corporation, Highland Park, were awarded contracts for up to about $311,000 to handle site development, electrical and utility work.

Addison-based construction management firm Fredrick Quinn Corp. was hired to manage the jobs.

Ahead of the vote on the contracts, City Manager Ghida Neukirch said staff are keeping a list of residents and businesses who want to receive regular updates about the progress of the Ravinia Fire Station redevelopment, and more information would be posted on the city's website as the project continues.

Bidding documents for the new station were issued last week, a pre-bid meeting is planned for Nov. 1 and bidding on the project is scheduled to begin Nov. 15, according to the website. The City Council is set to receive a bid recommendation on Dec. 13.

Mayor Nancy Rotering said city officials would make sure retired Highland Park firefighters who have requested bricks from the old station receive mementos after demolition.