Sangamon County Opens New Regional Morgue Facility

Sangamon County celebrated the official opening of its new regional morgue facility today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house. Located in the Sangamon South building — formerly the State Journal-Register— the $6 million facility brings autopsy, storage, investigative, and administrative functions under one roof, creating a modern, centralized hub for coroner services in Central Illinois.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon. “We’ve worked for years with borrowed space and fragmented operations. This new facility changes everything — it gives us the space, tools, and layout to serve families with the dignity they deserve, while supporting counties across the region.”

Designed to address growing case volumes, the facility includes a refrigerated unit capable of holding up to 50 individuals and a freezer for an additional 12. Autopsy suites, evidence processing areas, and administrative offices are all housed within the building, eliminating the need for travel between sites and improving coordination across teams.

“Forensic services require precision and collaboration,” said Dr. Nate Patterson, Sangamon County Forensic Pathologist. “This centralized facility gives us access to top-tier equipment and a unified space that allows us to work side-by-side with investigators, transport personnel, and support staff. It's going to improve outcomes across the board, not just for Sangamon County, but for all the counties we assist.”

Allmon credited the County Board for its vision and commitment to the project. “This project would not have been possible without the support of Chairman Van Meter and the Sangamon County Board,” he said. “They recognized the need, they stayed with it from day one, and they made sure we had the resources to do it right. Chairman Van Meter’s leadership made this facility a reality.”

The County funded the majority of the project through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). By choosing to renovate the former State Journal-Register building instead of constructing a new facility, Sangamon County saved taxpayers more than $2 million.

“This facility is the result of thoughtful planning and a fiscally responsible approach to government,” said County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter. “By renovating an existing building instead of starting from scratch, we’ve created a high-quality resource for Sangamon County residents and for communities across Central Illinois — while making the most of taxpayer dollars. Coroner Allmon spoke clearly to the need for this facility, and it will allow his office to better serve families with care and dignity during some of their most difficult moments.”

Allmon also expressed appreciation to local health care institutions for their longstanding partnership. “Springfield Memorial and St. John’s have both been tremendous allies through the years,” Allmon said. “They welcomed us into their spaces when we didn’t have one of our own, and we’ll always be grateful for that. Memorial Hospital went a step further by donating surplus equipment to help us get this new facility ready to go — that kind of generosity means everything.”

The facility also includes a dedicated space for Saving Site and Gift of Hope, the region’s organ and tissue donor network, allowing Saving Site staff to operate on-site and better support families and recipients.

“We’re proud that this space will play a role in honoring the wishes of donors and bringing hope to families in need,” Allmon added. “It’s an important part of the mission we serve every day.”

Gina Martian, Gift of Hope Partner Relations Liaison, said, “This partnership helps support death investigation and more effectively serve families as we honor the decisions of those who save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation.

Courtney Welch with Saving Sight said, “Saving Sight is grateful for our ongoing partnership with the Sangamon County Coroner’s office and our combined mission to honor the wishes of families that choose donation to positively impact others”.

The new morgue facility is now fully operational and open to serve Sangamon County and surrounding jurisdictions. By consolidating all coroner-related services under one roof, it streamlines case management, reduces logistical burdens, and improves coordination with law enforcement, hospitals, and donor organizations. With expanded refrigerated capacity, modern equipment, and purpose-built spaces, the facility is well-equipped to meet current demands and adapt to future needs — all while saving taxpayers millions through smart planning and efficient use of resources.