What is the first step in getting a new fire station? Making a list of needs and wants, or wondering where the money will come from?
Guess right? Most fire departments start by creating a wish list, sketching floor plans, and getting excited about the project. Finding money for the new station project is further down their list.
The Station Design Conference this week in Glendale, AZ, will include topics for designing and building your project and, importantly, sessions on your dream station's affordability, durability, and funding.
The reality of your design project is the estimated cost to build it.
Bring your list of project needs and wants, and listen to Brian Harris and Sarah Elley of TCA Architecture + Planning, explain how to strategically reduce project costs when you can’t afford what your community needs. Harris, an architect who specializes in fire and public safety, and has helped departments meet their goals and budgets for over 20 years.
Key approaches to cost management include data-driven decision-making, identifying cost drivers, fostering collaborative relationships with stakeholders, and exploring ways to bring your project to fruition. In addition, evidence-based policies should be used to improve efficiency and employ data-driven decision-making processes in design and construction. Successful case studies offer and encourage ongoing evaluation.
Devloping community support
What about the roadblocks to your project?
Community support can be challenging, especially in the current economic instability, and can create obstacles for new public safety facilities. Despite efforts to educate on the expanded department responsibilities and community growth, your project can fail without support from your community. How do you address their protests and discuss their community’s future?
Jeff McElravy and Rebecca Hopkins, from Tecton Architects, will address these issues in "Engagement Essentials: Turning Community Apathy into Enthusiasm." With experience and successful results, they will share when and how to engage with the public. Interactive dialogues early in the process, with facts, and listening to their concerns can be productive.
McElravy and Hopkins will explore how, when, and where to engage with the public. They will also offer practical strategies for involving your community early in the process with the correct information, message, and support.
Planning, budgeting for the future
How long will this new facility last?
Designing and building an affordable facility that will last 75 years is possible. From Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects, Ken Newell has researched the topic and will share how to you can afford a 75-year facility without busting your budget.
For several years, Newell has encouraged every department to plan a new facility and strive to design one that will last 75 years or longer. The program will also explore various ways to design and build a facility that is as maintenance-free and long-lasting as possible, using building systems and materials that can withstand first responders' heavy use and abuse.
Once you've got their attention, building a strong coalition of advocates will help amplify and expand your reach. Learn hands-on from lessons learned that you can use in your community to achieve your goals confidently.
And then, there is the issue of funding your project.
Federal grants are in an uncertain and complex state right now. In "Funding Your Future with Federal Grants," Dr. Jannine Wilmoth, emergency manager with Anaheim, CA, Fire & Rescue, discusses funding new public safety facilities and will provide the latest information on funds and grants.
Wilmoth has over a decade of experience in grant management and will share strategies for navigating the competitive grant funding process. These include key questions to ask before receiving a grant and understanding the answers to federal grant questions and other funding resources. The session will end with a discussion of the importance of garnering the support of local, state, and federal elected officials for proposed projects.
The Station Design Conference aims to offer resources and experienced individuals to help you design the most effective operational station or facility for your department and community. Select from any of the sessions that fit your needs and bring other individuals to participate in the classes running simultaneously.
We promise you won’t be disappointed.
Janet A. Wilmoth | Special Projects Director
Janet Wilmoth grew up in a family of firefighters in a suburb of Chicago. Wilmoth, who is owner of Wilmoth Associates, worked with Fire Chief magazine for 27 years until it closed in 2013. She currently is the project director for Firehouse, overseeing the Station Design Conference.
