CHALLENGE

In 1966, Aurora opened their first Police Headquarters. The station was a great facility for the 100 or so police officers that served and protected the suburban streets of Chicago, but as the city grew, more officers were being hired and the police department became crowded. In 2009, the construction of the new Aurora Police Station Headquarters and Branch Courts began. Chief Thomas of the Aurora Police couldn’t thank the architects more for their hard work in designing an eco-friendly environment that is sustained with architecture that meets LEED Gold Certification standards and is ADA complient. The new Police Headquarters features photovoltaics, green-roofs, optimized daylighting, and water efficient landscaping. The facility is designed to use 30% less water and 27% less energy than a similar sized building. When constructing the parking lot, it was important to measure up to the LEED standards, therefore the primary choice was permeable pavers.

INFLUENCE

Not only do permeable pavers reduce stormwater concerns, but they also contribute to a more sustainable environment that in the long-run will save taxpayers money. Although asphalt is a considerably cheaper option, concrete interlocking pavers outlast traditional asphalt by about 20 years. Due to the Heat Island Effect it was also also decided that a light color would formally reduce cooling costs.

SOLUTION

The Police Headquarters achieved LEED certification and was ADA complient by incorporating Unilock’s Eco-Optiloc permeable concrete pavers for the site’s parking lot.

This paver has gained world-wide acceptance as the paver-of-choice for performance – and as an environmental solution. The patented “L” shaped design allows a superior lock-up that can withstand even the heaviest of loads.

The innovative design of Eco-Optiloc creates small voids between the pavers providing drainage into the sub-base. In this particular project, Midwest Brick Paving installed vegetated bioswales in conjunction with the permeable pavers so they did not have to add to the existing sewer system. This allows for the rainwater to infiltrate and drain via a gently-sloped grade to a bio-swale and sedimentation basin at the south end of the property.

Carefully selected by the design team, the attractive surface was manufactured in a custom finish and custom color Series Chardonnay Tan.

In 2009, the headquarters received a “Project of the Year” award by the Construction Industry Service Corporation.