Ground officially breaks on remodel of Chesterton town hall and fire station

It was in all respects an auspicious day for a groundbreaking: Sunny, lovely, and warm.

Under the knife: The Chesterton town hall and the fire station, mid-century artifacts languishing in the third decade of the 21st century, like vacuum tubes or slide rulers preserved in the amber of a museum.

For Town Council Vice-President—and liaison to the Fire Department—Erin Collins, D-2nd, the remodel is as much about empowering Chesterton’s citizens as it is about modernizing the municipal facilities. “Today we come together not only to break ground but to lay the foundation for a stronger, more connected, and better equipped community,” she declared on Friday morning, May 16. “We are doing far more than just updating an old building. We are reimagining what a town gathering place should be. The new community room will be a welcoming space for our community to gather, host events, and engage one another.”

The remodel will also—at long last—digitize the public square and in doing so nourish this town’s grassroots, Collins noted. “The updates also include modern audio-visual upgrades that will make our government more accessible and transparent, allowing residents to better see and hear what happens in these chambers and to feel more involved in the decision-making that shapes this town.”

The remodel and expansion of the fire station are similarly “a critical investment in our future,” Collins said. “With a new dedicated training room, our firefighters will have a space for continuing education, ensuring they have the tools they need to stay sharp and meet the needs of our growing town. We are also especially proud to be adding additional bunk and bathroom facilities for our female firefighters, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone who wears the CFD badge.”

Collins was careful to express her gratitude to the many who made Friday’s groundbreaking possible, beginning with her “incredible” colleagues on the Town Council: President Sharon Darnell, D-4th, and Members Jim Ton, R-1st, Dane Lafata, D-3rd, and Jennifer Fisher, R-5th.

Collins also thanked Town Engineer Mark O’Dell, Assistant Town Engineer Matt Gavelek, and the staff of the Building Department for their meticulous attention to the details of the project and their “dedication and expertise that keep Chesterton moving forward.”

Collins was especially pleased to welcome general contractor Larson-Danielson Construction on board once again, after its “beautifully executed and low-stress” construction of the new police station just across the street; as well as to praise the discernment of design consultant Kil Architecture & Planning.

TOWN COUNCIL MEMBER JIM TON

After President Sharon Darnell led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance, Collins was followed to the podium by Town Council Member Ton, who spoke specifically on the subject of change, not always welcome, sometimes disconcerting, but in the end needful.

“While many memorable events have occurred on this site throughout the years, today’s groundbreaking is pivotal in Chesterton’s history,” Ton said. “Together we are about to set off on a journey. A journey that will take Chesterton into new ways, means, and places of service to its citizens.”

“Change can be intimidating, uncertain, and confusing,” Ton acknowledged. “Change is necessary, however, to ensure a bright future for the generations to come, and it takes courage to make change happen.”

“Experience teaches us these things,” Ton concluded. “First, that people with the biggest ideas are going to be browbeat by the people with the smallest ideas. Have the courage to think big anyway. And second, that you’re likely to be told that the good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Have the courage to do good anyway! Life is worth it! Chesterton: Moving forward.”

FIRE CHIEF SEAN O’DONNELL

Fire Chief Sean O’Donnell opened his remarks by welcoming the morning’s special guests: Several former CFD chiefs and those from neighboring communities, as well as Nancy Highwood of the Warren “Skip” Highwood Memorial Foundation.

He then expressed his own gratitude to the Town Council, “not only for making this project possible but for expediting it.” In particular, he thanked Collins for recognizing “the opportunity to go beyond a simple facelift and give our fire station a genuine remodel, including a two-story addition and much improved bunk, office, and kitchen facilities.”

“The Town Council’s investment in modernizing the fire department is proof of its firm commitment to the residents of this town and to its firefighters, and we can’t thank our elected officials enough for prioritizing public safety,” O’Donnell concluded. “I know that both our career and volunteer firefighters are already excited to go to work in what will essentially be a brand-new station, as modern and professional as any in Northwest Indiana, where we’ll have the space and technological upgrades to operate more efficiently and comfortably.”

GREG KIL

For his part, Greg Kil of Kil Architecture & Planning explained his team’s vision of the remodeled town hall.

“The idea is to elevate the space that the Town Council does business in, so when folks come to Chesterton they will understand that the design represents the philosophy of the Town of Chesterton, which is elevated beyond the space that’s there now,” Kil said.

Kil made a point of mentioning the soundproofing incorporated into his firm’s design. “One of the practical things,” Kil emphasized—as a Norfolk Southern train happened to be roaring through town—“we’ve paid attention to the nature of the space, so that the Town Council won’t have to stop, won’t have to wait, until the train passes.”

NICK LARSON

Finally, Nick Larson of Larson-Danielson Construction voiced his own excitement to be collaborating with the Town of Chesterton again.

“We are honored and excited to be able to continue working with the Town of Chesterton on another exciting project,” Larson said. “We’ve built or renovated many of the first-responder facilities throughout Northwest Indiana and I’m very excited to continue that part of our legacy.”

“We have worked very well with the Town of Chesterton and are grateful for the relationship we have,” Larson added. “I’d like to thank the Town Council for their vision and efforts which have provided us the opportunity to work together once more. I also want to thank (Town Engineer) Mark O’Dell and (Assistant Town Engineer) Matt Gavelek. Again, a great relationship with them. And I’m looking forward to working with Chesterton Fire Chief Sean O’Donnell. It’s great to have a team that works together so smoothly.”