Tazewell County is getting a much-needed new animal control building. The county board approved a design-build proposal by Peoria-based PJ Hoerr, which beat out three other prospective vendors. Like the current animal control facility, the new building will be at the county's Tremont campus, located off Illinois Route 9.
Construction is scheduled to start this summer along the ring road near the EMA building, with completion anticipated by January 2026.
The cost of the project is estimated at $3.75 million.
County Board Chairman Brett Grimm stated that the county got a good deal. He compared the proposed 9,300-square-foot building with an 11,000-square-foot animal control facility being built by McLean County for $7 million.
WCBU News reports that a groundbreaking for McLean County's building, partially funded by $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, was held last summer. It is scheduled to open next year.
Tazewell County's current animal control facility, built in the early 1990s, is about 5,500 square feet. Here are the major issues with the current building, according to county officials:
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Inadequate space for the animal control team
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Poor ventilation due to the HVAC system circulating the same air throughout the facility
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Kennels that do not meet current space and separation standards
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Lack of quarantine areas
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Worn-out kennels
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No on-site veterinary services
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No adoption rooms
The new Tazewell County facility will address these concerns by including quarantine rooms, a veterinarian medical room, pet adoption areas, dog kennels with interior and exterior access, and a fenced unloading area.
Officials praised PJ Hoerr's proposal for several reasons. It was the only proposal suggesting a pre-engineered metal building, ideal for standing up to daily power washings in dog kennel areas. It also includes a robust HVAC system featuring three separate systems for employee areas, quarantined animals, and non-quarantined areas.
Additionally, the design incorporates concrete masonry walls in animal confinement areas, promoting easier cleaning, durability, and safety during bad weather events.
Tazewell County's current animal control facility will remain in use until the new building opens. Plans for the existing building after the transition are still undecided.
Libby Aeschleman, the Tazewell County Animal Control Director, created the original proposed layout for the new facility.
Key Features of the New Facility
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Separate HVAC system for quarantined animals
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Designated quarantine rooms
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On-site veterinary medical room
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Dedicated adoption rooms
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Kennels with indoor and outdoor access
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Fenced unloading area for safe animal transfer
The nearly $4 million project will be funded through the county's Capital Improvement Plan Fund and Animal Control Fund.
For workers and tradespeople, this project will involve:
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Site preparation and earthworks
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Concrete foundation and masonry wall installation
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Steel frame and pre-engineered metal building assembly
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Interior fit-outs for medical, kennel, and administrative areas
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HVAC, electrical, and plumbing system installations
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Specialized finishes for durable, easy-to-clean animal handling areas
The facility represents a major step forward for animal welfare in Tazewell County and provides new opportunities for the region's skilled labor force.
DataBid is reporting on this project - Tazewell County New Animal Control Building (0027020425)
