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Grounds and Natural Resources Management and Maintenance Campus

The Forest Preserve District has developed a plan to modernize and consolidate its operations campus at Blackwell Forest Preserve to better meet current and future operational needs.

Studies completed in 2001, 2007, and 2022 consistently identified the limitations of the existing campus, which includes several retrofitted buildings — some more than 60 years old — that no longer meet modern standards for safety, accessibility, or efficiency. The facilities lack adequate space for equipment storage, staff locker rooms, restrooms, and other core functions, and many structures show significant signs of deterioration.

The campus currently supports approximately 25% of the District’s workforce, including crews from Forestry, Landscape, Trails & Streams, Roads, and Natural Resources Management. The combined space across the seven buildings is roughly 30,000 square feet, which is insufficient to support the District’s growing operational needs.

The new campus plan was developed through an extensive design process and incorporates strategies to improve efficiency, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and support sustainability goals. Key features include an on-site solar array for renewable energy generation, a rainwater harvesting system to reduce water use, and a site layout designed to streamline vehicle circulation and daily workflows. The plan also preserves a nearby oak savanna and includes native stormwater infrastructure — such as bioswales and basins — to manage runoff and support ecological restoration.

The project is intended to enhance the District’s capacity to maintain forest preserves, improve workplace safety and functionality for staff, and support ongoing stewardship efforts throughout DuPage County.

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Project FAQs

Find answers to common questions about the Forest Preserve District’s new sustainable Grounds and Natural Resources Management and Maintenance Campus.
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View the site plan (PDF).

Jul
2025

Status: Under Construction

  • Construction begins, with K.R. Miller Contractors mobilizing on site.
  • Work will include construction of main garage and administration building and nursery workshop and greenhouse, with anticipated completion by February 2027.
  • Wash bay renovations and demolition of existing grounds yard will begin after the new complex is complete.

 

 

Jun
2025

The Forest Preserve District hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Grounds and Natural Resources Management Maintenance Campus.

 

May
2025

  • The board approved two contracts totaling $36,430,700 to K.R. Miller Contractors for construction of the main garage and administration building with alternates, and the nursery workshop and greenhouse.
  • The board approved a $995,000 contract with Woodhouse Tinucci Architects for the construction administration phase of the project.
  • The board approved a $139,000 contract with Testing Service Corporation for independent laboratory testing for the project.

 

Apr
2025

Bids were opened. 

 

Mar
2025

The project was released for public bid.

 

Aug
2024

The board approved a $1.04 million contract with Woodhouse Tinucci Architects for final design, permitting, and bidding.

Jul
2024

Woodhouse Tinucci Architects completed the schematic and design development phase and presented plans for a 120,000-square-foot operations campus prioritizing safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Jan
2024

Woodhouse Tinucci Architects completed the schematic design phase and provided a report to the District. See Documents.

Jun
2023

The board approved an $800,000 contract with Woodhouse Tinucci Architects for design development and cost analysis.

May
2022

Feb
2022

The Forest Preserve District advertised for statements of interest/qualifications and received 10 submissions from qualified consultant groups.

History

The District acquired the property in 1965 and established its first Grounds complex there in 1968. The site has supported maintenance and natural resource operations ever since.

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