Mayor Daley Cuts Ribbon On New District 22 Police Station

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 5, 2004
Mayor's Press Office
(312) 744-3334

Bennie Currie
(312) 744-9277
bcurrie@cityofchicago.org

New Neighborhood Facility Integrates Environmentally-Friendly Features

Mayor Richard M. Daley today helped unveil the new Morgan Park (22nd District) Police Station, a state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the needs of contemporary law enforcement.

The $20.5 million station, located at 1900 W. Monterey Avenue, was built by the Public Building Commission of Chicago (PBC), which is chaired by Mayor Daley.

The new 44,000-square-foot facility is four times the size of the old station and will replace the old Morgan Park District station, at 1830 W. Monterey, which was built in 1936, officials said.

The new police station is a modern, state-of-the-art facility that will be used as a community anchor built to address the needs the community and of 21st century law enforcement.

"Integrating the community into the police environment solidifies our efforts to take back the streets from gang members and drug dealers," said Mayor Richard M. Daley at the unveiling.

The state-of-the-art facility will feature a computerized command center with a new video bonding allow for detainees to appear before a judge via satellite data system. High-tech roll call rooms enhance presentations during briefing and training sessions. These add to the Chicago Police Department's technology initiatives essential in crime reduction.

The station has a community meeting room to promote neighborhood involvement. The fitness room and updated locker room facilities meet the needs of the Police Department's changing workforce.

"One of the most fascinating aspects of this new police station that contributes to the quality of life in this neighborhood even more is that it is an environmentally-friendly or "green" building," said Mayor Daley.

This is one of many buildings in Chicago that is being built using technology that reduces the amount of energy we use, conserves water, and uses recycled content and materials that are manufactured locally. These elements go toward improving the overall workplace environment and help us cut costs in the long run.

The facility aims to be the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver rated police station in the Country by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Some of the unique features include:

Site Considerations such as added bike racks, proximity to public transit, and use of reflective surfaces to reduce heat in the summer

Energy Efficiency features will generate a 20 percent reduction in utility bills and solar panels will generate hot water for use in the building

Water Saving fixtures and use of native plants will reduce water usage by 30 percent.

Smart Materials created a reduction of construction waste by 90 percent.

The building was designed and constructed to create high indoor air quality for visitors and occupants of the building. These features include ample daylight and use of low-fume paints, sealants and cleaning products.

The Mayor also referenced the relocation of a garden that honors Chicago resident Edna White for her life-long commitment to community safety and to the community garden movement in the area.

"I am happy to announce that the new Edna White Century Garden will be located on the site of the old police station and will be a public open space bridging the new 22nd District Police and Morgan Park High School lands," said Mayor Daley.

As a gateway into the Morgan Park and Beverly neighborhoods this garden symbolizes the importance of community spirit and partnership with the police department in your communities.

The police station is the sixth new district police station built in the last four years under the mayor's Neighborhoods Alive 21 program. In all, 19 police stations will be replaced or renovated under this ambitious program, officials said.