The Village of Wilmette is taking another step toward the long-anticipated construction of its new police station, with officials eyeing a spring 2026 groundbreaking for the $50.5 million facility.

At the April 8 Village Board meeting, trustees are set to review an updated presentation that will provide deeper insight into the proposed site design, floor plans, sustainability features, and construction delivery method. While no votes are expected to be taken, village leaders consider the meeting a crucial checkpoint in advancing the project.

“While the April 8 presentation is informational, this is a key opportunity to confirm that the site plan, concept elevations, and updated project budget meet the Village Board’s expectations to allow us to move forward to the next phase of design,” village officials said in a statement.

New Details and Community Impact

Among the updates to be reviewed are site plan adjustments that aim to reduce disruption to nearby Howard Park — a key concern for residents during earlier phases of discussion. The new concept includes preferred floor plans and exterior elevation renderings that better align with community feedback.

The proposed station is also set to incorporate sustainable design elements, a growing priority for public projects in the village. Village staff said Tuesday’s presentation will also offer an “introduction to sustainable concepts,” including energy-efficient features and green building standards.

The updated project estimate puts the total cost at $50.5 million, which includes design, construction, and related services. Officials have indicated that funding would be secured through a mix of capital improvement allocations and long-term borrowing, but final financing decisions have not yet been made.

What Comes Next?

The Village Board is expected to vote at its April 22 meeting on advancing contracts with both the architectural team and the owner’s representative. That step would initiate the design development phase — including final drawings, construction documents, and procurement services.

If all proceeds as planned, construction would begin in spring 2026, with the new Wilmette Police Department headquarters expected to open by the end of 2027.

The new facility is intended to replace the current police station, which village officials have described as outdated and insufficient for modern policing needs. The new station is expected to improve officer safety, community accessibility, and departmental efficiency.

The next Village Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at 1200 Wilmette Ave. It will also be livestreamed online for public viewing.

Originally reported by Patch.