May 2, 2023: Construction of the Ravinia Fire Station is nearly complete and is getting ready to start operations. To celebrate the opening of the new Ravinia Fire Station #32, the City of Highland Park is hosting an open house on Saturday, July 15 from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. It will take place at the Fire Station, 692 Burton Avenue.
The new state-of-the-art facility replaces the previous station #32 that was originally built in 1929. The new station will serve the public for many decades providing improved public safety operations and increased efficiency.
Brief remarks will take place at 9:00 AM from Mayor Nancy Rotering, City Manager Ghida Neukirch and Fire Chief Joe Schrage. The Open House will have guided tours for everyone to get the best look of the Fire Department’s new operations along with engine and ambulance tours, a photo wall, public education tables and more. Coffee, juice, doughnuts and bagels will also be served. Parking will be available at the Ravinia West Metra Station Parking Lot (677 Burton Avenue). We hope you can join us in celebrating this historical event.
March 10, 2023: Construction of the Ravinia Fire Station is progressing well. We are on schedule to be substantially complete by the end of March. We appreciate tremendously your patience during this important public safety construction project, and please know that we have been working diligently to minimize the impact of construction for our neighbors and guests to the area.
The City’s Construction Manager, Steve Karecki, has been working with the excavation contractor to replace the alley. Below is a summary of activities and timelines. Please let us know if you have any questions.
3/13/2023, Monday – Saw cut alley for demolition. There will be minor traffic delays. Two-way traffic will be maintained.
3/15/2023, Wednesday – Alley demolition. One-way alley traffic will be maintained during working hours. Two-way traffic during non-working hours (alley will be gravel surface at this time)
3/16/2023, Thursday – Alley demolition continued, grading, and stoning for new work begins. One-way alley traffic will be maintained during working hours. Two-way traffic will be in place during non-working hours (alley will be gravel surface at this time)
3/17/2023, Friday (Happy St. Patrick’s Day ) – Alley stoning and grading. One way alley traffic will be maintained during working hours. Two-way traffic during non-working hours (alley will be gravel surface at this time)
Week of 3/20/20223 – Alley concrete paving. One-way traffic maintained at all times. Portions of the alley will be shut off as concrete cures and then re-opened. Access to one of the condo garage doors will be maintained at all times. We will coordinate with the condominium HOA to discuss details for continued access for residents.
March 17, 2022: Our firefighters covering the Ravinia Neighborhood Station 32 station have moved into the temporary fire station. On Monday, March 21, 2022 the construction fencing will be installed at the site of the new station. The alley will remain accessible, although please proceed cautiously in light of the new fencing and activity in the area. Throughout the construction project, temporary closure of the alley will be necessary. Notice will be provided to the neighbors except in the event of an emergency.
There will be no interruption to public safety services during the construction of the new station.
Demolition to the old station is planned for Thursday, March 25, 2022.
The contractor will adhere to construction hours throughout the redevelopment project. The City’s Municipal Code sets forth that outdoor construction is permissible between the hours of 7 AM and 7 PM, Monday through Friday and 9 AM and 5 PM on Saturday. Construction is prohibited on Sundays and holidays, except in the case of urgent necessity as approved by the City (Sec. 95.001).
The City has authorized employees of contractors and temporary staging of materials to use a portion of the south commuter lot, plus a portion of the public parking south of the alley and west of the construction site. This authorization is for the duration of the construction project which should be complete in the first quarter, 2023. Signs are posted at each site denoting the construction parking and staging.
If you know anyone else interested in obtaining these project updates, please encourage them to email us at cityhp@cityhpil.com. Updates are also posted to the City’s website and we will provide major project updates via the City’s eNews.
If you have any questions, please let us know.
March 8, 2022: On Thursday, March 10, the Fire Department is scheduled to transition operations of the Ravinia Fire Station to the station's temporary home just across the street. To accommodate construction materials storage and equipment staging, as well as other construction needs, beginning this week the City will reserve portions of two surface lots in the Ravinia District:
- the City parking lot located west of Burton and south of Roger Williams
- the south end of the Metra lot located just off of Burton
The contractor does anticipate occasional temporary road or alley closures during construction. Residents and businesses will be notified in advance when closures are required.
There will be no interruption to public safety emergency services during the construction of the new station.
The City will continue to provide updates on this project in eNews. Interested residents may also sign up for project updates by emailing cityhp@cityhpil.com.
December 6, 2021: The new fire station build documents were released for bid. The City received a great response from contractors. The bid opening took place on January 6, 2022. The construction management firm is currently meeting with the contractors regarding the scope of work. The construction management firm will be providing a recommendation to the City soon identifying the lowest responsible bidders. After receipt of the recommendation, City staff will review the recommendation. If accepted, the recommendation will be presented to City Council.
October 12, 2021: City Council approved contracts for the temporary fire station development. The work will include site leveling, the placement of utilities, and paving to accommodate a modular living quarter, a garage for equipment, and a construction trailer. Monday, October 18, 2021, a fence will be placed surrounding the site during the development of the temporary station for public safety and will be removed approximately 60 days after placement. The placement of the modular living quarters and garage are to occur in early December. The temporary fire station will be located in Brown Park across the street from the current Ravinia Fire Station to provide consistent service to the southern portion of the City.
Important upcoming dates regarding the new fire station development include:
- 10/21/2021 Bid Documents publicly issued
- 11/01/2021 A pre-bid meeting
- 11/15/2021 Bid opening
- 12/13/2021 City Council receives bid recommendations
All dates may be subject to change.
June 30, 2021: City representatives hosted a community meeting about the building design and the construction timeline for this important public safety project.View the staff presentation.
View an animation of the new building.
Access the meeting recording. When prompted, enter the password %y!E=8l3
January 26, 2021: With the City anticipated to advance through the planning, design, and engineering phases of the Ravinia Fire Station redevelopment project during 2021, an update regarding the scope of the project was provided during the Committee of the Whole on Monday, January 25, 2021. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2022. City staff and the project architect presented information pertaining to the Ravinia Fire Station redevelopment. Video of the presentation is available here, and the accompanying PowerPoint is available here.
Click here to view FAQs regarding this project.
Questions pertaining to the Ravinia Fire Department redevelopment may be directed to the City Manager's Office at 847.926.1000.