Larson-Danielson has begun construction of a new, two-story, 11,000 square foot police station for the Town of Chesterton.
On Thursday, July 6, Larson-Danielson representatives joined officials from the Town of Chesterton and others at a groundbreaking ceremony for the project.
An Auspicious Occasion
“This is an auspicious occasion but a near-run occasion as well,” said Town Attorney Chuck Lukmann. “That we’re standing here at all this morning is an improbable thing and a testament to one person’s tenacity and to a family and its company’s generosity.”
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by members of the Town Council and municipal department heads, as well as special guests including Elizabeth Johnson from the office of U.S. Congressman Frank Mrvan, D-1st; State Sen. Rodney Pol Jr.; Porter County Council Member Ronald “Red” Stone; Porter County Commissioner Jim Biggs; Porter County Prosecutor Gary Germann; Porter County Sheriff Jeff Balon; Portage Police Chief Mike Candiano; Valparaiso Police Chief Andrew McIntyre; NICTD Transit Police Chief Jessie Watts Jr.; retired CPD chief George Nelson; and retired Chesterton town manager Bernie Doyle.
“This new police station is the foundation of an entire town, to forge a commitment together to maintain our historically safe community and to allow the Chesterton Police Department (CPD) to grow with our community, as well as to further forge our community-based partnership with residents and businesses,” said Chesterton Police Chief Tim Richardson.
L-D in Chesterton
Larson-Danielson is no stranger to the Chesterton community. The firm recently completed construction of the new Ken Allen Law multi-tenant office building and is involved in several projects for the Duneland School Corporation.
“We have a long and rich history of completed projects in Chesterton, and are very excited to have the opportunity to continue our contribution to the community’s built environment,” Dave Merkel, vice president of Larson-Danielson said. “We understand that it takes a lot of hard work and determination to get a project such as the Chesterton Police Station to groundbreaking, and appreciate the efforts of the town and its leadership in getting to this point. We are excited to play a part in making their vision a reality.”
The New Police Station
The new police station features a training room, male and female restrooms, patrol room, processing room with interview, holding rooms and armory, and a sally port on the first floor. The second floor includes the police chief and assistant chief’s offices, investigative department bullpen and offices, interview rooms, evidence storage, a fitness center with separate locker rooms, showers and restrooms (for male and female officers) and a kitchenette/breakroom.
“The new structure allows us to further our programs and partnerships with the community, as well as a training hub for our officers,” Richardson said. “Our new building features a 28-person training room that will allow CPD to host professional trainings not only for our officers, but officers from other area departments as well. Most importantly, the new building has separate private locker rooms, restrooms and shower facilities for both our male and female officers, something our current building was lacking.”
Construction of the new Chesterton Police Station is scheduled for completion in approximately 15 months.
Related News
Larson-Danielson and Chesterton Community help make new police station a reality – LaPorte County Life
Ground officially broken on a new Chesterton police station – WIMS Radio
Chesterton officials break ground on a new police station – Chicago Tribune
Chesterton breaks ground on new police station – NWI Times