DIXON - The Lee County Board provided some good news on the progress of the county’s new Law Enforcement Center (LEC). Site work on the facility began on July 16, 2018 and now, three months ahead of schedule, the building is “under roof.” In addition, the project is forecast to come in 4-5 percent under budget.

Ringland Johnson Construction, Lee County’s design–builder and construction management firm, recently announced that the “substantial completion” date has moved forward three months, from Nov. 30 to Aug. 30, with final completion expected on Sept. 20. 

Currently, the guaranteed maximum price stands at $16,830,347, a full 6.7 percent under the initial Design/Build budget. Unforeseen risks are always possible, but at this point in the project the county feels confident the new Law Enforcement Center can be completed under budget. 

Progress

Just before Christmas, the LEC building envelope was closed in, permanent natural gas and electric utilities were established and temporary heat started up. This is allowing interior work to continue unimpeded through the winter months. Major work has been completed since Christmas including installation of the roofing insulation and membrane system, concrete flooring was poured in the administrative and support areas, and interior masonry wall construction continues. The number of contractors on site will continue to ramp up as interior work proceeds over the winter months. This spring, exterior work will commence again in parallel with the completion of the interior work.

Key Decisions

Several key decisions contributed to the improvements in schedule and budget, according to a press release from Lee County. First was the county’s decision to relocate the project from the downtown location adjacent to the new courts building to the new location on Progress Drive next to the Reagan Transit Center (Lee/Ogle Transportation Hub).

Second was choosing Ringland Johnson Construction to do the project as a Design/Build project, as well as managing the project as the construction management firm on behalf of Lee County. Having an experienced construction team also design the new facility reduced construction costs while providing a modern facility. RJC’s design process incorporated cutting edge 3D BIM technology (Building Information Modeling) along with the use of value engineering practices to deliver an affordable and functional solution. Brent Johnson, CEO and President of Ringland-Johnson said, “Working with elected officials and staff at Lee County has been unique as all are engaged, thoughtful and keep the tax payers in mind with all key decisions. Egos have been checked at the door as each meeting begins, always putting the goals of the project before personal objectives makes the process work seamlessly.”

Finally, the LEC Project Finance Ad-Hoc Committee did a great job in securing affordable financing to minimize interest costs and maximize dollars available for construction.

Sheriff John Simonton emphasized that the new complex project has been a major undertaking. “The team that has been put together, consisting of county board members, ad-hoc committee members, sheriff’s office command staff, along with RJC’s construction/design team, has helped this all come together,” he said. “Ringland-Johnson’s advice, direction and continual communication with us has created a relationship of confidence in knowing we are being fiscally responsible with tax-payer dollars, while getting maximum value for the project”.