CHATHAM, Ill.—The Village of Chatham has officially broken ground on a long‑anticipated municipal center that leaders say will redefine how the community delivers public safety and local government services. The roughly $22 million project, years in the making, will consolidate the Police Department, Village Hall, emergency dispatch, and a modern Emergency Operations Center under one roof. Village officials describe the development as both overdue and transformative for one of Sangamon County’s fastest‑growing communities.
The new complex, located at 113 North Market Street, replaces facilities that date back more than four decades—buildings that Mayor Dave Kimsey says no longer meet the technological or operational needs of a village that has expanded significantly since the 1980s. “It’s important for us to stay on top of the latest tools and operate as efficiently as possible for our residents,” Kimsey said during the groundbreaking ceremony. He noted that state and federal partners helped secure funding for the full scope of the project, from land acquisition to site preparation.
Designed by FGM Architects, the new municipal center will feature a structural steel frame with masonry bearing walls, a brick‑and‑stone façade, and a full basement level. Inside, the building will house a new council chamber, village administrative offices, police operations and support spaces, an emergency dispatch center, and a dedicated fitness area for public safety personnel. An ICC‑500‑rated storm shelter and a fully equipped Emergency Operations Center are also included—features that underscore the village’s emphasis on resilience and preparedness.
Construction is being managed by CORE Construction Services of Illinois, which is overseeing a multi‑package bid structure that includes separate contracts for concrete, masonry, steel, roofing, HVAC, electrical systems, and more. The site has already been cleared, and work is expected to continue over the next 14 to 16 months, with officials targeting a late‑summer or early‑fall 2027 opening.
For residents, the new municipal center represents more than a building—it’s a long‑term investment in public safety, government accessibility, and community identity. As Kimsey put it, the facility is intended to serve as “a centerpiece of a very proud community,” one designed to support Chatham’s growth for decades to come.
FGM Architects, the firm behind the design, is well known across the Midwest for its civic and public‑safety work. The company has designed police headquarters, fire stations, and municipal campuses throughout Illinois, emphasizing transparency, durability, and community‑centered design. Project architect Matthew Niemeyer said the Chatham facility reflects a broader shift toward multi‑use government buildings that combine operational efficiency with public accessibility.
On the construction side, CORE Construction Services of Illinois brings decades of experience managing large‑scale public projects. The Peoria‑based firm’s multi‑package bid approach allows local subcontractors to compete for specialized work while helping the village maintain cost control and scheduling discipline.
Chatham itself continues to grow steadily, with a population of roughly 14,000 residents and a demographic profile that skews younger than many surrounding communities. Known for its strong schools, family‑oriented neighborhoods, and proximity to Springfield, the village has expanded significantly over the past two decades. Local officials say that growth is a key reason the new municipal center is not just timely but essential, ensuring that public‑safety services can keep pace with the community’s evolving needs.
