Agenda Item Wording:
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Fire Station 51 Update - Review renderings and select an exterior building style.
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Prepared by:
Mike Porter, Civil Engineer, Mike.porter@visalia.city (559) 713-4412
Chris Crawford, City Engineer, Chris.crawford@visalia.city (559) 713-4331
Jason Huckleberry, Engineering & Building Director, Jason.huckleberry@visalia.city (559) 713-4495
Department Recommendation: Receive an update on the Fire Station 51 building renderings and make a recommendation on the exterior building style.
Summary:
At the council meeting held on August 4, 2025, staff presented council with three exterior design concepts for Fire Station 51 (FS 51). The three styles presented were Traditional Retrofit, Early California, and Modern/Transitional.
Multiple examples of each style were presented to Council, and after discussing the pros and cons of each alternative, Council directed staff to return with more detailed renderings depicting FS 51 using the traditional and early California styles. The updated renderings are attached to this staff report for the Council to make a final decision:
1. Option A - Modified Traditional Retrofit Style
2. Option B - Modified Early California Style
The City's consultant architect, RRM Design Group, prepared the renderings and has reviewed estimated costs for each. RRM has confirmed there is no significant cost difference between these two options. The cost estimate shown further below includes the cost for either option.
Background Discussion:
Fire Station 51, situated at 309 S. Johnson Street, is the main fire department headquarters and has been a vital part of the community for several decades. Station 51 is an essential services building located in the heart of Visalia and serves both the downtown community and much of central Visalia. City staff recently completed the process of soliciting proposals from qualified design professionals for a new Fire Station 51. This new station is intended to upgrade facilities and provide much-needed additional space for the firefighters, the equipment, and larger fire engines. This new facility is intended to serve the community for the next 50-plus years.
The new station will be constructed across the street from the existing station, and will occupy the existing city-owned parking lot area between Conyer St. and Stevenson St. This strategic location will help ensure coverage of the current emergency response area and emergency response times provided by current Fire Station 51. (see attached vicinity map)
The new Fire Station 51 is being designed to meet current operational needs, which include housing eight firefighters on a continuous 24/7 basis, two paramedics during daytime hours, and providing quarters for the battalion chief. Fire Station 51 is being designed to meet California Building Code requirements for Essential Services Building construction. Design for Essential Services Buildings follow more stringent structural design and construction requirements to prevent catastrophic collapse and ensure facilities are able to provide essential services to the public following a disaster. Staff is also considering future needs and the station is being designed to accommodate a maximum capacity of 12 personnel on a 24/7 schedule to meet future growth through a space needs assessment. To determine the precise space requirements, the consultant conducted a space needs assessment in close collaboration with City Staff. The current building size is 18,500 square feet, and the site size is approximately 1.50 acres. This assessment played a pivotal role in determining the ultimate square footage required for the new Fire Station 51.
In addition to the expanded living quarters, the station has been designed with adequate space for the four frontline units currently stationed at Fire Station 51, comprising two large fire trucks and two sizeable SUVs. Furthermore, provisions have been made for the storage of a reserve ladder truck and breathing support apparatus.
Fiscal Impact:
1410-72000/CP0415-999. The project currently has $4,400,000 budgeted from the Measure N Fund (141). The current project budget is sufficient to cover the cost of the design phase of the project and the cost of the construction management contract. Additional funds will be required to complete the construction phase of the project. These additional funds will be requested at the time of award of the construction contract, and after approval from the Measure N committee.
Budget Summary: CP0415
Project Funding
Available CIP Funding
$4,400,000
Estimated Project Costs:
Estimated Construction Cost
$20,350,000
Architect/Engineer (actual cost)
$794,787
Construction Manager (actual cost)
$889,000
Surveying (1%)
$200,000
City Staff Time (2%)
$400,000
Construction Contingency (10%)
$2,000,000
Inspection/Testing (2%)
$400,000
Permits/Fees (2%)
$400,000
Total Estimated Project Costs
25,433,787
Total Estimated Deficit
($21,033,787)
Prior Council Action:
8/4/25 - Council received an update on FS 51 and staff requested council select an exterior building style for the project.
11/6/23 - Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a contract with RRM Design Group for professional consulting services to prepare plans, specifications, and estimates for a new Fire Station 51 for an amount not to exceed $797,787.
11/18/24 - Council authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with Griffin Structures, Inc. for construction management services in the amount of $889,000
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize staff to move forward with exterior building style:
1. Option A - Modified Traditional Retrofit Style
2. Option B - Modified Early California Style
Environmental Assessment Status: In progress
CEQA Review: In progress
Deadline for Action: 9/2/2025
Attachments:
Vicinity Map
Building Renderings