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Fire-station expansion plan takes shape
Fire-station expansion plan takes shape
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
Auburn Trustees are preparing to hire a construction manager for the addition to the township's fire station.
They met Monday with architect Jim Larsen, of Larsen Architects, of Lakewood, to review the mission of a construction manager who would work with the township on the construction documents and through the bidding and building phases.
The two-story addition, with approximately 12,000 square feet, and renovations of the existing station are going to result in a centerpiece to the community, Mr. Larsen said.
The addition on the north end of the station will include two equipment bays, administration offices and sleeping quarters.
Renovations to the existing station, which was built in 1978, will involve upgrades to restrooms, kitchen, meeting room and new roof.
They are looking to a spring 2011 groundbreaking and opening before the end of the year, Auburn Fire Chief John Phillips said.
The construction manager will represent the township, Trustee John Eberly said. "He is the construction expert."
A low-interest loan of up to $2.5 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will help pay for the renovations and construction.
The department has given preliminary approval of the loan and will monitor the process and the plans throughout the construction phase. Fiscal Officer Susan Plavcan is working through the paperwork and list of items required by the government.
The project loan will be paid off with a portion of the 3.5-mill continuing fire levy voters approved in May. The levy will cover 24-hour staffing at the station, as well as the fire-station mortgage.
Mr. Larsen said the construction manager will have many responsibilities in the bidding phase, with construction documents and the construction itself.
"The construction manager will sit with us and review building systems and cost ramifications and he can maintain control over time and budget," Mr. Larsen said.
There is a series of events and activities that are critical to his leadership, Mr. Larsen said. "It truly is an important job.
He is a critical in representing the township trustees and being on time and within the budget.
"We're looking for someone to be a part of our team, in direct interaction with trustees and the fire chief," Mr. Larsen said.
The construction manager is responsible for following the schedule and deadlines. As the project unfolds, the construction manager will be on the site for weekly meetings.
Mr. Phillips said five requests for information have been received so far from those interested in the position of construction manager. Proposals are due in the township by Aug. 16. Interviews will be conducted after the deadline.
Mr. Larsen said the goal is to make the building simple, attractive, and an important landmark in Auburn, but not to make it an overstatement of its presence.
Of primary concern is a functional building, eliminating the 1970s look and giving it a fresh, clean look, Mr. Larsen said.
"They want a building that Auburn residents can be proud of," he said. Upgrades to the perimeter will make it appear to be a new fire station. Even though the fundamental building will remain.
"While function is the key aspect for us, it needs to reflect current architecture, Mr. Phillips said.
There are "ideas on the table, but the budget will dictate where we're going with it," he said of the project. "We're trying to keep it at budget.
"We want a building that is aesthetically pleasing, but cost-effective," Mr. Phillips said. "We are in the process of reviewing space allocation in order to meet current building codes."
It will be concrete block, with a high insulation value, Mr. Phillips said.
Mr. Eberly said he wants it to be attractive, but practicality is desired. "We're looking for functionality."
"We want to meet the needs of those who work there," he said, and Chief Phillips' input is a key factor in the planning and construction.
Mr. Eberly said spending money on long-term sustainability is an important goal. Energy efficiency will pay off for the next 30 years.
"We want to make sure it holds up," Mr. Phillips said. It has to have a durable interior to withstand the high-volume traffic, day in and day out, he said. The goal is to minimize the operating cost, he said.
An upgraded septic system is expected to be required by the county, Mr. Phillips said. "It's working, but county codes have changed."
Soil borings are the next phase to determine if there are good soil base materials to set a foundation.
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