Allentown presents feasibility study for combined fire, EMS and health center at Fourth and Turner

Allentown City Council on Monday heard a feasibility study proposing a new Allentown Life Safety and Wellness Center to house Central Fire and EMS and the Allentown Health Bureau in a combined facility at Fourth and Turner on county‑owned land.

“Allentown’s downtown fire department and EMS serve more than 125,000 plus city residents and visitors on a daily basis,” Chief Augusto said during the presentation, describing the existing Central Fire Station as the city’s “central hub.” Consultants told council the current Central Fire Station is more than 100 years old, was originally built as a car dealership, and is in “poor condition.”

The study, prepared by Alloy 5 with engineering partner CHA, recommends a two‑building complex connected by pedestrian bridges, about 65,000 square feet overall with capacity for roughly 65 staff, 10 apparatus bays facing Fourth Street and a 300‑space parking garage. Consultants estimated probable construction costs at $62 million to $65.5 million (costs in the study completed in 2024), with a bid‑year escalation range of roughly $67.8 million to $72.6 million for 2026–2028 start years. Presenters described a phased approach with the garage first so the county’s parking needs remain…