Despite the turmoil caused by weather and labor issues, the new building is expected to be ready for occupancy by January, according to the Fire House Building Committee secretary Matt Ludwig. “We were originally slated to move in on December 21st,” Ludwig said, “but because of the issue with the plumber it will now be at some point in January.”
Work continues on Saturdays to try to recoup some of the lost time and a new plumbing contractor was selected on July 10, according to Newfield Construction project manager Rich Breitenbach.
Construction of the new firehouse has faced challenges since work began last December. Intense cold shut the project down for six weeks in February and March. That delay was compounded in mid-May when the original plumbing contractor abruptly went out of business, slowing progress even further as contractors juggled the construction schedule to minimize the delay.
Travelers, the bond company, has now authorized the project to proceed with L&R Mechanical as the plumbing contractor. That firm’s contract is about $100,000 higher than the original, but Travelers will reimburse the difference between the original contract and the bid bond coverage. Newfield is also documenting project delays and associated costs to present to Travelers as part of ongoing negotiations for reimbursement.
Weather continues to present challenges with spells of stifling heat and a deluge of rain this week, but Ludwig said construction has continued despite it all. “They worked right through the heat waves,” he said. “The health of the workers is number one, but they have an air-conditioned trailer, and the workers had to come in and cool off and take proper hydration breaks. This week they worked right through the rain. They have poured the bay floor for the apparatus room and are working on the mezzanine right now.”
Carpentry in the training room was scheduled to begin this week, and the roof trusses are to be delivered August 4, allowing framing of the building and the exterior envelope to begin.
Demolition of the existing fire house is expected to occur during the winter with final project completion in June.