When do you take the first serious step toward a building project? Is it
when you reach for a blank piece of paper to list needs versus wants or
sketch the floor plan? Is it when you pick up the phone to call the
banker or the architect? Whatever the step, now might be the time to
take it.
Suppliers are reducing the costs of labor and materials because of the
fledgling economy, and with stimulus funds dedicated to fire station
construction, taking steps to become shovel ready may prove economical
in the long run.
At last year’s Station Style Conference in Phoenix,
architect/presenters surveyed attendees on their top concerns for an
incident-command approach to station design. Budget, funding versus
need, and planning for future growth topped the list, which also
included continuing operations during demolition and reconstruction.
But before you begin your next project, be aware of emerging trends.
Station lifespan. Many agencies are building temporary (10- to
20-year) structures instead of longer-term (over 30 years) structures,
according to Mary McGrath, AIA, Beverly Prior Architects. Click
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