After five years of planning and coordination, construction will officially begin on a new evidence building for the Washington Police Department. Built to replace the previous structure destroyed by fire, this project represents a straightforward, efficiency-driven build — the kind that resonates with commercial construction professionals.
Smart Siting and Scope
The new facility is being built on Wilmor Road, directly behind the Washington Fire Department and near Five Points. It replaces the fire-damaged building on Main and Jefferson, which had become unusable. Since the fire, the police department has been transporting evidence daily to East Peoria, an operation that takes a dedicated officer off the street each time.
Chief Mike McCoy emphasized that the new facility will bring critical operations back within city limits and streamline day-to-day evidence handling. With all materials secured on-site, the department will gain efficiency, security, and improved chain-of-custody control.
A No-Frills, High-Function Design
Originally estimated at $5 million, the new plan is a much leaner $2.3 million build. According to McCoy, the department worked to reduce costs without sacrificing core functionality. The design was scaled back to essentials to meet budget realities and urgency of need.
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Cost-effective footprint – Basic design features to keep construction manageable
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Rising material costs accounted for – Increases of 15–25% annually in building equipment influenced the final scope
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Barcode tracking systems – Evidence intake and storage will be automated with barcoding for faster processing and reduced technician hours
"It’ll reduce the time the police have to deal with it, and also reduce the time our evidence technicians will have to get it recorded, in and out, and in a safe place."
Police Chief | Mike McCoy
Funding Breakdown
25 News Now reports that for construction professionals tracking how public sector projects are financed, this one is notable for its blended funding sources:
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Federal grant – $583,000 announced at the groundbreaking by Congressman Darin LaHood
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Total grant funding – Approximately $900,000
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City contributions – About $600,000 from reserves, including $372,000 from the general fund
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Pandemic relief funds – Leftover COVID funding helps round out the budget
Mayor Gary Manier noted that the budget amendment, which includes the city’s contribution, is not expected to impact municipal services. "We haven’t really spent our budget every year," he said. "I think we’re not really going to do away with services or have to postpone till the next fiscal year."
Construction Timeline and Contractor
The project is expected to be completed by October, weather permitting. The construction contract is likely to be awarded to PJ Hoerr, pending city council approval. The final vote on the budget amendment and contractor selection is scheduled for June 17.
Despite severe weather on the day of the groundbreaking ceremony, city leaders proceeded with the event indoors, showing the project's importance and momentum.
Community and Construction Recognition
In a surprise moment during the groundbreaking, it was announced that the new facility will be named after Mayor Gary Manier. Visibly moved, the mayor said he was left speechless by the honor.
A Blueprint for Practical Municipal Builds
This project is a case study in how municipalities can deliver on urgent infrastructure needs without overextending financially. For construction professionals, it reflects a disciplined approach:
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Scaling back from a $5 million vision to a $2.3 million execution
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Selecting essential features that improve operational efficiency
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Choosing funding strategies that minimize taxpayer burden
It also emphasizes the increasing importance of cost forecasting in a market where construction material prices continue to climb year over year.
As work gets underway behind the fire station in Washington, commercial construction crews will play a key role in delivering a project that meets public safety goals, adheres to budget realities, and proves that good design doesn’t have to be excessive. The Washington Police Department's new evidence building is a solid example of how streamlined planning, responsive design, and smart funding can come together to meet real-world needs.
