Homeland Security Fusion Center - 69 W Washington

Level-1 designed secure, integrated infrastructure for Cook County’s Homeland Security Fusion Center, transforming 69 W. Washington into a mission-ready government hub.

In the heart of Chicago’s Loop, the Homeland Security Fusion Center at 69 W. Washington is reimagining one of the County’s most critical government floors. As Cook County renovates and reorganizes the 30th floor to house its Department of Homeland Security, the goal extends far beyond spatial updates. This is about equipping public safety infrastructure to meet the demands of modern emergency response, coordination, and continuity. 

This renovation is part of a broader effort to reconfigure the building’s government floors around performance, readiness, and interconnectivity. Level-1 Global Solutions was selected to lead the design of the low-voltage technology and network systems that make this possible. Our scope covers telecommunications, physical security, audiovisual systems, and structured network infrastructure all tailored to the operational realities of Homeland Security. 

We are delivering a full suite of security systems, including access control, intrusion detection, emergency telephony, and surveillance, each designed with precise device placement, technical documentation, and coordination across disciplines. On the telecom side, our design includes interior structured cabling across copper and fiber, Wi-Fi layout and access point modeling through predictive HEAT mapping, and distributed antenna specifications to ensure continuous radio and cellular coverage for public safety use. Rack elevations, power loads, and thermal impacts are fully documented and coordinated with MEP teams. 

We are also designing the audiovisual system for the department’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This includes a custom video wall layout, full-room AV integration across meeting zones, paging with fire alarm override, wired and wireless microphone systems, RF connectivity (Starcomm, LMR, satellite), and resilient video conferencing with scheduling capabilities.  

Throughout the project, Level-1 is working closely with CBRE and the architect of record to ensure that all systems align with the County’s long-term operational and security objectives. It is an infrastructure-driven upgrade designed to strengthen the department’s ability to perform under pressure and maintain continuity across all conditions and Level-1’s role is to ensure that this mission is supported by systems that are secure, integrated, and ready for what comes next.