Architects unveil design for Helena Fire Station No. 3 and training tower; city moves ahead with bond issuance steps

Architects working with city staff presented plans for a new Fire Station No. 3 and an adjacent live‑fire training facility, and city finance staff described next steps to issue voter‑authorized bonds to pay for the project.

Mike Dowling of Dowling Architects and project staff walked the commission through site analysis, floor plans and renderings. The proposed station includes three 80‑foot pull‑through apparatus bays, about 11,400 square feet of interior space with firefighter dorms, fitness and training rooms, a decontamination airlock and a public training room. The design includes a four‑story training tower and adjacent props for live exercises; the tower is sited on the northern portion of the site and the team discussed adjacency to planned site features. Architects said they have coordinated extensively with staff and fire personnel to refine operations and training needs.

City staff told the commission voters previously approved authorization to issue up to $7 million in bonds for the site acquisition and station construction. Staff described financing steps: a rating call (scheduled the week of June 23 in staff materials), a competitive bid for sale with bids returned around July 14, a commission resolution to accept terms on July 21, and anticipated receipt of funds by Aug. 14, 2025, subject to market conditions and closing. Staff said the bond would be a 20‑year, bank‑qualified, tax‑exempt issue and that the city will follow required procedures for reimbursing the wastewater fund for the sliver of land on which part of the facility sits; staff said valuation and legal review are underway to set the reimbursement figure.

Architects highlighted design decisions including high‑speed folding bay doors (for faster response), daylighting and landscaping, public plaza space that could incorporate reclaimed timbers and the historic bell from an earlier station. Commissioners asked questions about site acquisition, reimbursement to the wastewater fund for previously purchased land, and next steps; staff said they are finalizing legal and valuation work and will return with contract and financing documents.

Next steps: staff will proceed with financing timeline steps and complete land‑valuation and legal work; design continues with coordination on construction timing following bond sale.