UPDATE: The Town of Fairfax is set to begin a major remodel of Fire Station 21 with a budget of $1.6 million, slated to kick off in June 2024. This renovation is crucial to modernizing the facilities to meet current safety and operational standards for fire crews and equipment.
Officials confirmed that the station, built in 1974, requires extensive upgrades to better serve the community. Public Works Director Kristin Arnold emphasized the importance of staying within budget, stating, “When we put together the cost estimate in October, we did our best to stay conservative.” The funding for this project comes from a loan provided by the county.
Mayor Stephanie Hellman praised the efforts of Arnold and Town Manager Heather Abrams for their innovative solutions that have led to cost savings throughout the planning process. “There have been cost savings,” she noted during the Town Council meeting.
The remodeling project involves temporarily relocating fire station personnel and equipment to the community center on Park Road. This move is designed to minimize costs compared to renting trailers, as Arnold explained, “Using the community center for firefighter housing costs less than renting trailers.” The community center’s garage can also accommodate the fire engine, ensuring response times remain swift.
Renovations are expected to commence in June 2024 and wrap up by March 2027, with plans including the addition of showers in the community center’s bathrooms and relocating town offices to a rental house on Park Street for the duration of the project. Although public access to the center’s indoor bathrooms will be restricted during renovations, temporary facilities will be available near the outdoor playground.
Arnold highlighted the community center as the most economical option, stating, “This raises the question of where to temporarily relocate staff. … Staff conveniently learned about a house across from the playground that was available to rent.” The rental house will cost the town $35,000 for the duration of the project, based on a monthly rent of $3,500.
During the council meeting, members raised concerns about the potential for increased costs due to the third amendment to the architect’s contract, which will now total $158,000. Councilmember Mike Ghiringhelli questioned, “Is there a chance this is going to cost more? Where does this end?”
Architect Jessica Fairchild assured the council that her initial contract did not cover the project through to completion, necessitating this amendment. Arnold indicated that the only other anticipated cost would be hiring a construction manager, which is included in the overall budget.
The council unanimously approved the resolutions to update the architect’s contract and secure the rental office space. They also discussed the possibility of extending the rental term if construction delays arise, with Arnold confirming that it could be adjusted as needed.
To enhance transparency, Hellman suggested creating a dedicated page on the town’s website featuring all project contracts and design documents, allowing residents to stay informed on the progress of the renovations.
As the town prepares for these significant upgrades, officials emphasize the importance of modernizing Fire Station 21 to better serve the community’s needs. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
