Architectural Design Services - Escambia County Fire Stations - Myrtle Grove and Paradise Beach Fire Stations

During a regularly scheduled Board Meeting in May, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners voted to replace two fire stations and add three fire stations to areas that don’t have adequate fire protection. Commissioners identified five different locations: Pleasant Grove (replacement), Myrtle Grove (replacement), Paradise Beach (New-Bauer Road), Cantonment (New-Kingsfield Road), and Brownsville (new-location to be determined).

This Request for Letters of Interest (RLI) pertains to the architectural design and construction administration services for two of those fire stations, Myrtle Grove (replacement) and Paradise Beach (new-Bauer Road).

The County desires to hire an architect to prepare a 100% design package for two new fire stations to accommodate a single concept that will be versatile and flexible enough to apply to different circumstances/sites while considering expandable apparatus bays, private sleeping quarters, a well-designed living space, training areas, and a fitness center, decontamination control center, integrated technology and security system, natural lighting and ventilation, durable, requiring low maintenance, and could accommodate future expansion if needed.

The architectural firm will provide limited Construction Administration services including, but not limited to, bidding assistance, submittal review, Owner/Architect/Contractor meetings, document management, and warranty management services (1-year post-construction) as part of this contract award.

Although the design contract will be awarded to a single architectural firm, the County intends to expedite the construction of these projects. The construction of these stations will be bid either separately or in a group as designs are completed.

During a regularly scheduled Board Meeting in May, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners voted to replace two fire stations and add three fire stations to areas that don’t have adequate fire protection. Commissioners identified five different locations: Pleasant Grove (replacement), Myrtle Grove (replacement), Paradise Beach (New-Bauer Road), Cantonment (New-Kingsfield Road), and Brownsville (new-location to be determined).

This Request for Letters of Interest (RLI) pertains to the design and construction administration services for two of those fire stations, Myrtle Grove (replacement) and Paradise Beach (new-Bauer Road).

Design Considerations:

Apparatus Bays: These sections will be pre-engineered metal buildings on concrete slabs and the bays must accommodate all emergency vehicles, including engines, ladder trucks, and ambulances, with ample space for maintenance, cleaning, and equipment storage. They should also have non-slip flooring, proper ventilation for exhaust, and meet safety standards for clearance around vehicles. The decontamination, turn-out gear storage, and other equipment storage will also be included in this area.

Living and Sleeping Quarters: These areas should offer a balance between communal spaces for camaraderie and private spaces for rest and relaxation. Modern designs increasingly include private sleeping rooms, bathrooms with showers, day room, kitchen and dining space, and a personnel laundry room.

Fitness Facilities: Firefighters need to maintain peak physical condition, so fitness spaces (gym) equipped with cardio and strength training equipment are crucial.

Training Areas (Optional): Training areas should be designed for various activities, including classroom, simulations and drills, and may include specialized facilities for decontamination and gear maintenance.

Administration: These areas would include an office, communications center, etc.

Decontamination and Contamination Control: Modern fire station designs emphasize the importance of separating contaminated areas (apparatus bays) from clean areas (living quarters). This includes designated decontamination areas and PPE storage facilities to minimize exposure to carcinogens and other hazardous materials.

Site Layout: Station orientation and site layout are critical for ensuring optimal functionality, response time, and accessibility. Factors like traffic patterns, proximity to emergency areas, and potential for future expansion should all be considered.

Additional Considerations:

Staffing Models: Consider the number of personnel on each shift, the types of apparatus and equipment used, and any specific facility needs when determining space requirements.

Health and Wellness: Integrate features that promote firefighter health and wellness, such as natural light, ventilation, and access to outdoor spaces.

Sustainability: Consider sustainable building practices in station design, such as energy-efficient systems, durability of materials, and storm hardening.

Technology Integration: Design spaces that can accommodate future technological advancements, such as advanced communication systems and data management.

Project Locations

Site 1 – Myrtle Grove Fire Station (Replacement)

The existing Myrtle Grove Fire Station is located at 7209 Lillian Highway, Pensacola, Florida. This design project includes demolition of the existing structure which may be bid separately when the design is completed, or it may be bid with the construction project at the discretion of the County.

This station will need to accommodate not less than 8 individual sleeping quarters rooms. This facility will need to have three bays for the apparatus (17’x60’ each) with the opportunity to add additional bays in the future. The proposed building will be designed and constructed on the site of the existing station.

Site 2 – Bauer Road (New – Paradise Beach Station)

This new Fire Station is located at parcel number 17-25-31-2202-000-000 on approximately 5.2 acres om Bauer Road, Pensacola, Florida. This wooded parcel will be transferred to the County from the United States Navy in July of 2025.

This station will need to accommodate not less than 6 individual sleeping quarters rooms. This facility will need to have two bays (17’x60’ each) with the opportunity to add additional bays in the future.