Police substation might move to storefront at Gurnee Mills

The village of Gurnee is discussing an idea to move police officers stationed at Gurnee Mills mall out of a backroom and into a high-profile storefront location.

On Monday, the Gurnee village board's committee of the whole discussed a proposal to relocate the substation from the current 800-square-foot office near the mall's administrative offices to a space near Bed Bath and Beyond.

"It would be right off the retail corridor," Deputy Chief Brian Smith said during a presentation. "Smack dab in the middle of the mall - it really doesn't get any more middle than this location."

Such a move would give police more opportunity to engage with the community and nearly double the size of the substation. The proposed location is 1,642 square feet.

Gurnee Mills General Manager Randy Ebertowski said he's been speaking with officials about putting police in a more central location for years now. The substation has operated in the same location since the mall opened in 1991.

"We're proud of our police and what they do in the community and want to showcase that," Ebertowski said, adding the new location would be near the children's play area. "Hopefully a kid can meet a cop, shake their hand and maybe get a sticker."

Ebertowski said the substation would go in the spot occupied by IRIS Beauty Boutique. IRIS would move elsewhere in the mall.

The mall would provide space for the substation rent and utilities free as long as the village paid the renovation cost for the space. The village doesn't pay rent or utilities on the current substation, Ebertowski said.

Smith said the cost to the village is estimated at $350,000.

"There is a big difference between the cost of a police substation and a storefront," Smith said. "We need appropriate soundproofing and safety measures so nobody else is at risk."

The substation would have a holding cell, an interview room, offices for police personnel and a community space and reception area.

Smith said officials are considering hosting educational events there, including presentations on avoiding credit card fraud, preventing burglaries, and other topics.

The plan is still months away from going to the village board for final approval, Smith said. If it is approved, the substation could be built in around three months, he said.