Lake County approves $2.75M contract modification to complete design of Multi‑Department Building

The committee voted to approve contract modification #1 to FGM Architects (FGMA) in the amount of $2,746,416 to complete architectural, engineering and construction administrative support services for the Multiple Department Building (MDB) on the county campus in Libertyville. The MDB will consolidate functions such as the coroner's office, sheriff functions and evidence storage and the schematic design presented included a program of approximately 75,000 square feet.

Architect Mark Price (FGMA) walked the committee through the site plan, sustainability goals (geothermal field; potential solar expansion) and an initial cost breakdown. Staff and the architect estimated roughly $47.6 million in construction costs in current dollars for the MDB program plus soft costs and an allowance for sustainability add‑ons; the presentation said geothermal must be integrated up front and that an estimated rebate/payback of about 30% would apply. Members questioned parking sizing (PUD compliance vs. negotiation with Libertyville), wetlands on the site, security tradeoffs, and the potential to sell or repurpose existing buildings after the MDB comes online. Staff outlined next steps: design development (Dec–Apr), initiate CMAR (construction manager at risk) procurement in January, and plan to award construction contract late next calendar year.