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
(South Bend, Ind.) – Howard Park, South Bend’s first and oldest park, has been award LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The $18.8 million renovation project included a 16,000-foot ice trail and pond, fire pits, an accessible playground, a splash pad, walking trails, and a community center with event space.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Through design, construction and operations practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings are helping to make the world more sustainable.
“We are extremely proud that Howard Park is now LEED Gold certified,” said Darin Meyer, project manager for Larson-Danielson. “This was a big wish list item for the project and the City of South Bend, and I am grateful to the entire project team for their efforts to realize this achievement.”
Howard Park achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions. Green buildings allow companies to operate more sustainably and give the people inside them a healthier, more comfortable space to work.
About LEED certification
LEED projects earn points by adhering to prerequisites and credits across nine measurements for building excellence from integrative design to human health to material use. The LEED rating systems work for all buildings at all phases of development and are meant to challenge project teams and inspire outside-the-box solutions.
“LEED is a transformative tool that ensures a building is designed and operated to achieve high performance, improve human health and protect the environment,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. “By prioritizing sustainability, the Howard Park project is leading the way in their industry and helping USGBC continue towards our goal of green buildings for everyone within this generation.”
Certification is proof that buildings are going above and beyond to ensure the space is constructed and operated to the highest level of sustainability. More than 49,300 commercial and institutional projects are currently participating in LEED in all 50 states and more than 178 countries and territories.
The LEED green building rating system has gone through several evolutions since it was originally introduced in 1998. With its initial launch, LEED opened a new chapter in building design, construction, management, and operation. LEED has inspired new energy efficiency and environmental sustainability technologies and gave rise to a full-blown industry dedicated to supporting green buildings. Now, its current version, LEED v4.1, is the most robust, flexible and transparent rating system ever.
Howard Park Photo Gallery
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- Howard Park event centerHoward Park, South Bend, IN, Alliance Architects (Photo by Matt Cashore)
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- Meeting space at Howard ParkHoward Park, South Bend, IN, Alliance Architects (Photo by Matt Cashore)
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- Wall installation at Howard ParkHoward Park, South Bend, IN, Alliance Architects (Photo by Matt Cashore)
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- Project plaque at Howard ParkHoward Park, South Bend, IN, Alliance Architects (Photo by Matt Cashore)
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- Playground equipment at Howard ParkHoward Park, South Bend, IN, Alliance Architects (Photo by Matt Cashore)
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- Playground equipment at Howard Park; Alliance Architects (Photo by Matt Cashore)
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- Ice bridge at Howard ParkHoward Park, South Bend, IN, Alliance Architects (Photo by Matt Cashore)
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- Skating track at Howard ParkHoward Park, South Bend, IN, Alliance Architects (Photo by Matt Cashore)
About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a healthy, resilient and equitable future for all through the development of green buildings, cities and communities. For more than 20 years, USGBC has been advancing green building practices through the development of LEED, the world’s most widely used green building program. With the support of thousands of members, volunteers and partners, USGBC provides robust green building education courses, a rigorous professional credentialing program, and advocates for effective public policies. It convenes an international network of green building and sustainability leaders through the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and forward-thinking programs, including the Center for Green Schools. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
