Lake Zurich Approves Bonds for New Fire Station 1

The Village of Lake Zurich, Illinois, has secured voter approval to issue $20.3 million in bonds to build and equip a replacement for Fire Station 1. The proposed station would occupy village-owned property at the northwest corner of Route 22 and Old Rand Road in Lake County, replacing the existing facility at 321 S. Buesching Road.

The Daily Herald reported on November 3, 2026, that unofficial estimated results showed just over 60% support for the borrowing measure. The vote advances project financing for a new-build emergency services facility on a separate site.

Key Takeaways

• Voters approved issuing $20.3 million in bonds to finance construction and equipment for a replacement Fire Station 1.
• The proposed site is at the northwest corner of Route 22 and Old Rand Road in Lake Zurich.
• The village purchased the property for $2.1 million in fall 2025 following a site selection study.
• The existing Buesching Road station occupies a parcel that village officials say cannot accommodate expansion.

Key Project Facts

• Project type: Replacement fire station, including construction and equipment.
• Location: Northwest corner of Route 22 and Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich, Lake County, Illinois.
• Existing facility: Fire Station 1, 321 S. Buesching Road.
• Approved financing: $20.3 million in bonds for building and equipping the station.
• Land purchase: $2.1 million in fall 2025.
• Owner: Village of Lake Zurich.
• Stage: Proposed replacement facility with voter approval for bond financing.

$20.3 Million Borrowing Approval Advances Financing

The November 2026 vote authorizes the village to issue general obligation bonds for the station project. Voter approval is required because Lake Zurich does not have home-rule authority.

For contractors evaluating the project, the relevant milestone is authorization of financing for both construction and equipment. The $20.3 million figure represents the approved borrowing amount for those purposes, rather than a construction contract award.

Replacement Site Acquired for $2.1 Million

A village-commissioned site selection study identified the northwest corner of Route 22 and Old Rand Road as a desirable location for the replacement station. The village subsequently purchased the property for $2.1 million in fall 2025.

The project is a replacement on a separate property, not an expansion of the existing station. Village officials said the Buesching Road parcel does not offer room to expand, making the acquired site central to the development approach.

Station Deficiencies Shape Construction Considerations

The Lake Zurich Fire Department has occupied the Buesching Road station since 1980. Originally serving a volunteer operation, the building has undergone upgrades as the department transitioned to full-time service, but officials say it has reached the end of its useful life.

The department identified several limitations relevant to planning the replacement:

• Inadequate equipment storage and training space.
• A fire prevention bureau housed at a separate location.
• No accommodation for decontamination zones.
• No accommodation for isolated living quarters.

These operational needs make space planning and building-system coordination important considerations for prospective contractors. If incorporated into the replacement design, decontamination areas and separated living spaces could require coordination among architectural layouts, plumbing, ventilation and interior finishes.

Construction Trades Involved

The proposed new-build fire station could involve site development, building-envelope work, building systems and interior fit-out as the project advances beyond financing approval.

Potential trades include:

• Site preparation
• Excavation and grading
• Underground utilities
• Storm drainage
• Concrete foundations
• Concrete slabs
• Structural steel
• Masonry
• Roofing
• Waterproofing
• Insulation
• Glazing
• Overhead apparatus bay doors
• Doors and hardware
• Mechanical and HVAC
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Fire protection
• Low-voltage communications
• Drywall and interior partitions
• Flooring and protective coatings
• Painting
• Paving and exterior concrete

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the proposed fire station located?

The proposed replacement for Fire Station 1 is at the northwest corner of Route 22 and Old Rand Road in Lake Zurich, Illinois. The village purchased the property for $2.1 million in fall 2025.

What stage is the project in?

As of the November 3, 2026, report, voters had approved borrowing to fund the proposed station's construction and equipment. Unofficial estimated results showed just over 60% support.

How much financing did voters approve?

Voters approved issuing $20.3 million in bonds to build and equip the replacement station.

For contractors and suppliers pursuing municipal emergency services work, the bond approval and completed land acquisition make this a project to track as its construction scope develops. The key procurement distinction is that financing covers both the building and equipment.

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