LAKE IN THE HILLS, Ill.—The Village of Lake in the Hills has officially unveiled its new 39,600‑square‑foot police headquarters, a modern civic facility designed to strengthen community trust, improve officer wellness, and support long‑term operational efficiency. The building, designed by Dewberry and constructed by Camosy Construction, marks a significant milestone for the village as it replaces a 1992-era station that had long exceeded its functional capacity.
The new headquarters sits prominently within the village’s civic campus, adjacent to Village Hall, and was shaped by a multi‑year planning effort that emphasized transparency, safety, and resilience. Dewberry served as architect, MEP engineer, and security/technology designer, collaborating with Eriksson Engineering Associates for civil engineering, RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture for site and landscape design, and Oldcastle APG for masonry stone. Photographer Peter McCullough documented the completed facility.
Inside, the building reflects a growing national shift toward wellness‑centered public safety design. Natural light filters through clerestory windows and exposed wood roof decking, creating a calmer environment for officers and staff. Dedicated wellness rooms, outdoor patios, and fitness areas offer space for decompression and physical training, while acoustically balanced materials help reduce stress in high‑intensity work zones. The headquarters also includes specialized workspaces for each division, modern evidence processing areas, secure detention facilities, and flexible training rooms that support both daily operations and community engagement.
The project was driven by a comprehensive space‑needs analysis that found the department required more than double the square footage of its former building. The previous 17,642‑square‑foot facility could no longer accommodate staffing levels, technology demands, or contemporary policing standards. Village leaders ultimately approved a $27 million project budget, funded through a combination of cash reserves and general obligation bonds.
Construction began in April 2024 and progressed steadily through 2025, with the village sharing regular updates as steel framing, masonry, and interior finishes took shape. By mid‑2026, the headquarters was ready for occupancy, culminating in a ribbon‑cutting ceremony that brought together village officials, project partners, and members of the police department.
The completed building stands as a civic landmark—one that blends durability with a human‑centered approach to public safety. For the Lake in the Hills Police Department, the headquarters represents not just a new home, but a long‑term investment in the people who serve and the community they protect.
