The City of Lake Forest, Illinois, has unveiled plans to adaptively reuse a vacant Class A office building into a modern police headquarters—a move that blends cost efficiency, sustainability, and community-centered design. This innovative approach highlights the growing trend of reimagining underutilized office spaces for public service needs.
Located at 1925 Field Court in the city’s Conway Park office campus, the three-story, 100,000-square-foot building was constructed in 2008 and originally appraised at $17.5 million in 2018. The City acquired it in 2024 for $3.5 million. The facility boasts premium features such as underground heated parking, a fitness center, and expansive lobby areas with pond views.
While larger than the department’s immediate needs, the surplus space provides flexibility for future growth or shared use with other public safety agencies. The location, near a four-way interchange off I-94, offers quick access to the community, enhancing response times.
The City of Lake Forest reports that repurposing the building is projected to cost between $25 million and $30 million—about 40% less than constructing a new facility of similar size and quality. Beyond the financial savings, adaptive reuse also represents an environmentally responsible choice, minimizing waste and preserving the embodied carbon of the original structure.
The retrofit will focus on preserving key structural and architectural elements while tailoring the space to law enforcement needs:
On-Site Shooting Range: Plans call for converting the building’s lower level into a modern range. This will require digging down the slab an additional 24 inches and installing advanced soundproofing systems.
Operational Efficiency: Existing office configurations will be adapted to house administrative offices, holding areas, and investigative units.
Sustainable Upgrades: Energy-efficient systems and environmentally friendly design features will be integrated into the retrofit.
Earlier this year, the City invited residents to open houses to review the proposed design and provide feedback. Community members were able to learn about the project’s goals and the benefits of converting a long-vacant office building into a vital public safety hub.
Final approval from City Council is anticipated soon, with construction expected to take about one year. Once complete, the facility will replace the city’s current Public Safety Building, providing improved resources for officers and the public.
The project will engage a variety of skilled trades, including:
General Contractors & Project Managers: To oversee the adaptive reuse process
Structural Engineers: For modifications such as the shooting range
HVAC and Mechanical Specialists: To upgrade climate control systems
Electrical Contractors: To ensure reliable power and security infrastructure
Plumbers and Pipefitters: For facility upgrades
Acoustic Engineers: For soundproofing in sensitive areas
Interior Finish Trades: Carpenters, masons, and drywall specialists for adaptive fit-outs
By converting an underused Class A office building into a state-of-the-art police headquarters, Lake Forest is demonstrating both fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship. The project not only meets the city’s public safety needs but also breathes new life into a vacant property, reducing community vacancy rates while supporting construction and skilled trade jobs.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - Lake Forest Police Department Headquarters Renovation (0037081525)