Fire Station 1 Project

In 2020, Tecton Architects was commissioned to complete a Facilities Master Plan evaluating the condition and long-term needs of major Town facilities. The study identified Fire Station 1 as one of the Town's highest facility priorities requiring significant infrastructure improvements and long-range planning.

Following additional review by Town committees and the Permanent Building Commission, the Town engaged Colliers as Owner’s Project Manager to help guide the evaluation and planning process. Throughout this process, the Town has worked closely with the Fire Commission and Fire Department to better understand operational and community needs.

Planning Options for Suffield Fire Station 1

As planning has continued, four potential scenarios for the future of Fire Station 1 have been developed and presented to the community:

Capital Improvements (CIP)
New Construction - New site
Additions & Renovations - Existing site
New Construction - Existing site

Each option presents different opportunities, challenges, costs, and long-term impacts for staff, taxpayers and the broader community.

Four project comparison options for a fire station are presented with aerial views of construction sites in the background and detailed cost and scope information in the foreground.

Option 1 - Capital Improvements (CIP)

Facilities Master Plan Recommendation (2023)
Approx. 2-Year Implementation

Scope:
Limited capital asset improvements intended to maintain operation of the existing Fire Station 1 facility. No expansion, modernization, or programmatic improvements included. Not a long term solution.

Existing Facility: 5,800 s.f.

Original 2023 FMP Recommendation: $982K

Escalated 2028 Equivalent Budget: ~$1.25M

Anticipated Budget Due to Required Code Compliance Modifications: ~$3.8M

Option 2 - New Construction (New Site)

Construct New Facility on Alternate Site
Approx. 18-Month Construction Duration Following Funding + Design

Scope:

Construction of a new Fire Station 1 facility on a new site location, allowing continued operation of the existing station during construction and minimizing operational disruption.

Basis of Design Facility Area: 11,860 s.f.

Basis of Design Total Project Budget: ~$15.72M

Expanded Program Option:
An additional conceptual option was also evaluated incorporating expanded support/training space.

Expanded Program Facility Area: 13,710 s.f.
Expanded Program Total Project Budget: ~$17.92M

Option 3 - Additions and Renovations (Existing Site)

Renovate As New + Addition
Approx. 18-Month Construction Duration Following Funding + Design

Scope:
Renovation and expansion of the existing Fire Station 1 facility, including renovation of existing operational spaces, new addition construction, and limited basement/utility improvements while maintaining portions of the existing station.

Facility Area: 13,410 s.f.

Total Project Budget: ~$15.55M

Option 4 - New Construction (Existing Site)

Project Presentations, Documents and Recordings

Project Presentations, Documents and Recordings

Planning & Cost Assumptions

Project cost estimates include construction, site work, design services, furniture, equipment, technology, testing, commissioning, contingency, and project administration. Budgets also include escalation costs calculated to the midpoint of construction using a compounded annual escalation factor of 4.25%.

Next Steps

The Town of Suffield will continue reviewing each option through the lens of Fire Department Program Goals, long-term operational needs, financial considerations, and community feedback. As part of this process, additional information sessions, open house tours, and community engagement opportunities will be held to help residents learn more and stay informed as the project moves forward. The Permanent Building Commission will present the options to the Board of Selectmen with a primary recommendation in July, 2026. The BOS will then move the recommendation to the Board of Finance for bonding and mill rate impact and ultimately to a referendum for voter consideration in the Spring of 2027.

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