COTTAGE GROVE, Wis.—The Village of Cottage Grove has officially broken ground on its long‑planned police station, launching a transformative project that will give the community’s officers a modern, purpose‑built home after years of operating out of shared municipal space. The ceremony, held this week on the future station site at 210 Progress Drive, brought together village leaders, project partners, and residents to celebrate what many described as a milestone years in the making.
The new facility will replace the police department’s long‑standing quarters inside the Municipal Services Building, a space that village officials say no longer meets the needs of a growing community. The project stems from the 2023 Municipal Facilities Study, which identified the need for a dedicated police station as one of Cottage Grove’s most pressing infrastructure priorities.
Designed by Engberg Anderson Architects, the one‑story, 27,789‑square‑foot building will blend modern functionality with a community‑focused layout. Plans include a large public community room capable of hosting up to 100 people, expanded administrative and operational areas, and a secure 31‑stall gated parking yard for department vehicles. Additional features include indoor vehicle storage, a generator enclosure, and a distinctive architectural entry element that will serve as a visual anchor for the site.
The building’s exterior will incorporate a mix of split‑face concrete masonry, brick, and metal panels, creating a durable and contemporary civic presence. Sustainability also played a role in the design, with native prairie landscaping, stormwater basins, and an optional rooftop solar array included in the project’s bid package.
Riley Construction Company, Inc. was selected as the construction partner following a competitive bidding process. The Village Board approved a total project budget of $16.3 million, which includes $12.9 million in construction costs, a $360,590 solar alternate, and additional allocations for design, contingency, and soft costs.
Village Administrator Matt Giese, Police Chief Mark W. Garry II, and representatives from both Engberg Anderson and Riley Construction spoke at the groundbreaking, emphasizing the project’s importance for public safety and long‑term community planning. “This facility will support our officers, strengthen our operations, and serve the people of Cottage Grove for decades,” Chief Garry said during the event.
With construction beginning, completion is anticipated by April 2027. Once finished, the station will stand as one of the village’s most significant capital investments and a symbol of its commitment to supporting a safe, thriving community.
As the project moves forward, residents can expect periodic updates from the village and opportunities to see the new station take shape. For now, the groundbreaking marks the start of a meaningful new chapter in Cottage Grove’s civic landscape.
