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 facilit...
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