Just as one phase of a major facility update benefiting the Emporia Fire Department is drawing to a close, another is set to begin soon.
During their regular action meeting Wednesday morning, Emporia City Commissioners approved a contract with Crossland Construction for the remodel of Fire Station 2 at 1427 Industrial Road. The total cost of the project is just over $6.2 million, with approximately $280,000 in contingencies and allowances, as well as $200,000 for fixtures and furniture.
While listed as a remodel, the project will actually be a combination remodel and addition for the facility that will take place in two phases, according to Emporia Fire Chief Brandon Beck.
Beck says tackling the project in phases will mean firefighters can continue to live and operate in the facility while construction is ongoing and not require temporary relocation. He says this aspect is crucial for maintaining efficiency and day-to-day operations.
Beck says work on the project is set to begin in February, following the relocation of Station 1 from White Auditorium to its new headquarters in the 500 block of Market, directly across from White. Like station 1, Beck says one of the immediate benefits of the updates to station 2 will be additional operating space for firefighters.
Another major benefit will be increased safety with the addition of a decontamination area, again similar to the one included in station 1.
As you may recall, work on Station 1 moved very swiftly over the last year with little to no disruptions in the construction timeline. With a little more than a year projected for the station 2 project to be complete, and the same company handling construction, KVOE News asked Beck if he believes the project could be completed sooner than expected.
He stated that it is unclear at this time, as there are some notable differences between the two projects.
Beck says the department has yet to begin moving into the new fire station 1, telling KVOE News they still need to do their final “punch list” and inspections before the move-in can take place. He still anticipates making the move by the end of the month, with a community open house possibly taking place by the second week in February; however, no official date is on the books just yet.
