By Shereen Siewert
WAUSAU — City leaders on Tuesday are expected to choose the engineering and design firm that will spearhead a long-planned $4 million replacement for an aging west side fire station.
Plans to replace Wausau Fire Department Station 2, 510 S. 32nd Ave., have been under consideration for more than a decade. In 2006, the city identified the Hwy. 52 and Hwy. 29 corridor as the best place for the new station, which will serve much of the city’s west side.
In 2010, the city authorized the purchase of property along the Hwy. 52 Parkway and Seymour Lane for $144,000 to be used for the project. The new station will be located at 3017 Seymour Lane.
The city received seven proposals for engineering and design services earlier this year in response to a request for proposals issued in February, and a committee chosen by Mayor Rob Mielke ultimately recommended Five Bugles Design, according to city documents. The firm, based in Eau Claire, previously designed fire stations in Marathon, Ashland, Marshfield, Middleton, and other Wisconsin communities.
Design services are expected to cost about $340,000, with the full project estimated at $4,017,321, according to city documents. Members of the city finance committee and full city council will review the Five Bugles proposal Tuesday. If the firm receives final approval, construction will likely begin in the fall.
