The Addison Consolidated Dispatch Center (ACDC) provides emergency communications services for multiple police, fire and EMS jurisdictions in DuPage County, Illinois, which is in the western suburbs of Chicago. Resilient design principles permeate this hardened facility that can withstand an EF4 tornado as well as a Ballistic Level 3 assault. ACDC's exterior design is intentionally downplayed to a very simple form that achieves the goal of maintaining a discrete public presence. Precast concrete wall panels are embellished with diagonal reveals that subtly reinforce the property's history as a former Nike missile site. The ACDC interior is designed to enhance the delivery of advanced emergency dispatch services in an environment that supports the well-being of the staff. The operations center includes 34 dispatcher positions. The design of this high-volume space incorporates windows to optimize natural light and modulates sound with wood acoustic panels that add to the warm color palette. Ergonomic furniture maximizes comfort and productivity. Strategically placed white boards provide workspace and also serve as a stress-relief tool that staff use for informal drawing. Multiple flat screen monitors form a large video wall that provides live feeds, weather updates and other critical information. The ACDC includes a kitchen and break area with a cafe-like feel, an outdoor patio, fitness center and quiet room with reclining chairs to help dispatchers handle the stresses of the job. The facility also contains an emergency operations center which can be flexibly arranged for training use while breakout rooms provide additional space for small group discussions. A secure lobby displays member-agency emblems and graphics that pay homage to the site's history. On behalf of its partner agencies, the Village of Addison, Illinois, commissioned the design and construction of the ACDC in 2015. It opened in 2017 and received CALEA accreditation that same year.
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