The new Frankfort police station on 28 West is abuzz with activity as final preparations are made for the Ribbon Cutting and Public Open House scheduled for Wednesday, June 21.
Rotarian and Chief of Police Scott Shoemaker gave a talk at Frankfort Rotary at Arborwood Thursday noon followed by a “Pre-tour tour” of the new 10-million-dollar facility. The new building will more than double the size of the old Police Station. The old building had about 11,000 usable square feet. The new building’s 25,000 square feet is not only larger, but custom and purpose-built for its current use and is all contained on one level with no basement. The new police station not only has the capacity to serve the community for decades to come, but has the structural and land use capability for expansion to the East if ever needed.
Shoemaker is happy to share the facility with the public and said, “Anyone who toured the old facility understands the move.” “The new building will be completely paid off in 20 years.” said Shoemaker. The sign in front of the old building is the only thing left at the Columbia/Washington Street location. Building planners toured new police stations at Lawrence and Michigan City. Stations in Wisconsin were also viewed for good ideas.
“It’s your building” said Shoemaker as he conducted the tour. He will likely use that phrase often during the Ribbon Cutting and Open House Wednesday June 21. The cost in 2018 was first estimated to be about 8 million dollars. Covid-19 delays and supply chain issues pushed the final cost up to about 10 million dollars which will be fully paid off in 20 years.
The location of the new Police Station is halfway between the large expanding city limits. Walmart to NHK will span the new City limits and the Police station is placed right in the middle of that expanse. “We will be patrolling I-65 area soon,” said Shoemaker. He said the City is accessible by several different routes from the new building and said response will be quick throughout the entire expanding City area.
The new Police Station training area also has the capability to convert to a shelter area for stranded motorists during a blizzard or tornado event. The building is powered by a large commercial grade generator and full battery backup capabilities.
JR Kelly is the General Contractor. As the project nears completion, the familiar site of Kelly personnel will soon disappear. “We have been happy with them” said Shoemaker about the Contractor.
What will happen to the old building? Shoemaker seemed to take a little delight in saying “I will close things up, put a few moth balls in it and turn the keys over to the Mayor and City Council.” There are some ideas for the old building but “the Post Office moved out of there for a reason, and we are moving out for a reason,” said Shoemaker. “That will have to be taken into account.”
