The City of Ames has hired a construction advisor for $95,000 to help replace an outdated fire station.
The city says Ames Fire Station No. 2, at the corner of Welch Avenue and Chamberlin Street in the heart of a busy bar and restaurant district on the Iowa State campus and its outdated design has created operational challenges. The city plans to replace it with a more modern facility on the west side of town.
The relocation project was approved by Ames voters last November, receiving 86% of the vote (5,881 votes) to issue a $10.5 million bond.
On July 14, the Ames City Council approved a contract with Denovo Construction Solutions for construction advisor services.
The advisor will assist with cost estimating and provide part-time project representation on-site during construction.
Denovo was the lowest bidder, with the other three bids coming in over $100,000, according to city documents. The highest bid was over $288,000 from a Des Moines company.
Denovo will support city staff during design and construction
Denovo will be used during the design phase, City Manager Steve Schainker said.
“They add value to helping maybe move or shape the specifications that will lower the cost but still provide the product we want,” Schainker said.
Denovo will also be involved during the construction process.
“They’ll help us through change orders and help us justify whether we should pay it or not,” Schainker said. “They have experience in this whole area of construction; they add to our wealth of knowledge and our team, so that’s what we’re excited about.”
What will the new Ames fire station look like?
The city consulted with Iowa State University to use a 29-acre lot at 601 State Ave. for the new station, which requires a 52-year lease with the university.
Early designs call for the building to be just under 13,000 square feet, about 5,400 square feet larger than the current facility.
Other additions include an exercise room, an IT room, a lounge, a kitchen and dining area, bathrooms with hazmat showers, and a laundry room in the living quarters, according to city documents.
How much will the new fire station cost in Ames?
The entire project is expected to cost just under $10.5 million.
The conceptual design is expected to cost $78,000, while detailed design and construction documents will cost about $806,000.
Construction has the highest estimated cost at around $9.1 million.
Furniture and other equipment have an expected price tag at about $88,000.
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Ames hires $95K advisor for campus fire station, releases renderings
Reporting by Celia Brocker, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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By Celia Brocker, Ames Tribune | USA TODAY Network
