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Council hires BRW for schematic design of new Fire Station No. 2; possible bond measure follow-up planned
Summary
Council approved awarding a contract to Brown, Reynolds, Watford (BRW) for schematic design and cost estimating for a replacement Fire Station No. 2; staff said a schematic/design phase will take about 12 weeks and could support a future bond referendum if the city elects to pursue funding.
The Ames City Council on Monday authorized a contract with design firm Brown Reynolds Watford (BRW) to perform schematic design and design-development work for a replacement Fire Station No. 2.
The city’s fire chief told the council that Station No. 2, built in 1966, does not allow apparatus to circulate through the building and requires vehicles to back in — a safety and operational limitation. The council approved BRW to produce schematic plans, design development documents and a cost estimate; staff said the design phase is expected to take roughly 12 weeks.
The chief said an on-site location near State Avenue is under negotiation with Iowa State University for a long-term lease; staff said that site would improve response times. If council chooses to proceed after design and cost estimating, staff said a bond referendum could be considered as early as the November 2025 ballot.
Council action: Motion to award architectural/engineering services contract to BRW for schematic and design-development work for Fire Station No. 2; motion carried on roll-call vote.
Why it matters: A new station could improve emergency response times, reduce operational risk by enabling drive-through apparatus bays, and modernize firefighter workspaces (including biophilic design and training amenities). The design contract is limited to planning and cost-estimating; no construction appropriation was authorized at this meeting.
