Twin Groves Wind Farm, McLean County, IL

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Farnsworth Group’s survey and transportation sections first began working with Horizon Wind Energy on the 400 MW Twin Groves Wind Farm in McLean County in 2005. Currently, 240 wind turbines have been constructed, and all are producing electricity.

Phase I included the widening and strengthening of 26 miles of Township roadway. Phase II included 28 miles of Township roadway improvements. Phases III, IV, and V are in the study phase and design could begin within the next year. This wind farm covers an area of approximately 67 square miles, with wind turbines located on roughly 180 different land parcels across eastern McLean County. A site control network was established using GPS equipment. The network was tied to the McLean County GIS control as well as the new HARN network established within the state.

Section/quarter section corners and measurements to locate or re-establish these corners were gathered with the GPS equipment and tied to the control network. When Horizon Wind Energy purchased the site for the newly created Twin Groves Wind Farm, it also purchased an existing farmhouse, built in 1906. Rather than tear down this structure, Horizon asked Farnsworth Group to provide design services for the renovations to convert what once was a home into an office for both Horizon staff and a turbine supplier.

Converting a 100-year-old farmhouse to a modern office building presented a series of challenges to the design team, but it was important to Horizon to preserve this structure not only for its historic value, but also to blend in with the surrounding area as much as possible. A new maintenance building was also designed to house spare parts and the turbine maintenance provider, which includes locker and toilet rooms, a crew room, and small parts and tool storage.

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