Fire Station #10 development project

As a result of rapid community growth in the east-central corridor of our City, the Columbia Fire Department has requested additional resources to meet its increasing demands. An additional fire station at the intersection of East Broadway and El Chaparral Avenue South will help expand coverage and support the Fire Department’s ability to respond promptly to emergencies. This 4.64 acre property will also be utilized as offices for our Fire Marshall’s division and for living space for our firefighters.

With the purchase of this property, the city was able to procure a major asset in the existing building, which was formerly a church located on the north end of the site. Initially, the lower level of this structure will function as a temporary fire station while designs are underway for a permanent one. Once the new station is completed, the lower level will be repurposed for offices, conferences, and equipment storage.

The primary access to the site is from El Chaparral Avenue, with emergency vehicles exiting directly onto El Chaparral. Our aim is to create a welcoming atmosphere while offering essential, life-saving facilities. Plans are being made to create a fire station that will match the residential character of the neighborhood.

Our focus is on creating sustainable and innovative facilities that meet the needs of our community now and in the future. Plans include:

• Developing resilient building plans for future conditions.
• Prioritizing safety and convenience on the site to encourage walking and biking.
• Preserving natural areas and using native plants for landscaping to enhance the environment.
• Utilizing regionally sourced materials with high recycled content to reduce waste.
• Designing energy-efficient facilities with renewable energy systems and low-impact refrigerants.
• Exploring solar power options and incorporating water-saving fixtures like low-flow toilets and rainwater harvesting.

The permanent fire station will feature living, office, training and storage space, including three apparatus bays and mezzanine storage for group activities and mechanical systems.

The City of Columbia Public Works department has scheduled an informal open house meeting concerning the development of the fire station. The meeting will provide local residents and other stakeholders with an opportunity to share concerns, ask questions and provide feedback about this proposed development project and will be held Wednesday, March 27, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the lower level of the church building located at 1020 S. El Chaparral Ave.

We hope you are able to attend this meeting to learn about this upcoming Public Works project. If you have any questions or would like to leave a comment regarding this project, please feel free to do so below. Comments were accepted on this website through Wednesday, April 10, and will be considered as the designs are developed.