On June 13, the Pleasant Prairie Village Board approved an amendment to the Architectural and Design Contract, established on February 15, 2021, between the Village of Pleasant Prairie and Plunkett Raysich Architects LLP (PRA) for a new Police Station. The Village Board also approved an Architectural and Design Contract between the Village and PRA for Fire Station 3.
“We are excited to begin these new building projects to enhance and support the law enforcement and public safety services provided to our community,” said David Smetana, Pleasant Prairie Police Chief. “The new Police facility will allow for more efficient workspaces and deliver a modernized building that is welcoming for the community.”
Consideration for a new Pleasant Prairie Police Station began in 2016 to address inadequate and limited space for a growing workforce and department. Pleasant Prairie built the current police facility in the early 1990s when the force was considerably smaller. The Village considered relocating the Police Station near the proposed Village Green Center in 2018 and purchased 4.47 acres of land on the east side of 39th Avenue, south of Village Hall and 100th Street. However, the Village ultimately paused the initial efforts for this location.
Instead, the Village directed attention to the Conceptual Plan for the Village Green Center, which incorporates the Police Station at the corner of Springbrook Road and 39th Avenue between Village Hall and Fire Station 1. After reassessing this proposed location, the Village staff determined the area would restrict the development in terms of space for parking and room for future growth.
Plans for the new Police Station have redirected back to the 4.47 acres of land initially considered for the development. The location has additional space for parking and future growth and provides room for an efficient site layout with easier access to and from major roadways. In addition, plans for the new Police Station will address operational needs, including an expanded storage space for evidence processing, improved facility security, additional female lockers, a large roll call room for training, an area for emergency management, extra meeting spaces, and sufficient parking for all agency vehicles and equipment.
Additionally, the village staff has considered adding a third Fire Station for several years to support the continued growth in population, ongoing development, and increased demand for public safety services. The proposed site for Fire Station 3 consists of approximately two acres of land strategically located in the southwestern quadrant of the Village at the intersection of State Trunk Highway 165 (104th Street) and Terwall Terrace within Prairie Springs Park. The location will improve Fire & Rescue response times to developments west of Interstate 94, the areas surrounding Lakeview Corporate Park, and support the overall public safety efforts in the Village.
“The continued growth in population and development in Pleasant Prairie has caused an increase in the demand for public safety services, and the Village has identified a need for the new stations,” explained Fire & Rescue Chief Craig Roepke. “In 2021, Fire & Rescue calls were up 83% since 2010. Sustaining the level of service the Pleasant Prairie community has come to expect has become difficult. The additional Fire Station will enhance response times and support Fire & Rescue’s Village-wide public safety efforts.”