By Ryan Severance
Pueblo Chieftain
PUEBLO, Colo. — An architectural firm commissioned by the city to assess the conditions at eight Pueblo Fire Department buildings is recommending the department build new facilities at three stations that are in poor shape.
The stations that need replacing, according to that architectural firm, are at 425 W. Seventh St., 1325 E. Fourth St., and 31475 Bryan Circle.
The station on West Seventh is badly deteriorated and is very close to the end of its useful life, according to Dennis Ross of Pacheco Ross Architects, P.C., the firm the city paid $95,000 to conduct the study.
In a report given to City Council, Ross said ongoing repair or meaningful renovation of the station would be a waste of resources.
The station at East Fourth is in average-to-below-average condition and very crowded, according to Ross’ report, and the apparatus bay is too small for modern equipment.
And the station on Bryan Circle is badly deteriorated and close to the end of its useful life, as well, Ross said. As with the West Seventh Street station, Ross concluded that ongoing repair or meaningful renovation would be a waste of resources.
Earlier this year, Fire Chief Shawn Shelton told council that many of the city’s fire stations are aging and in need of repairs, and some probably need to be replaced.
Each of the eight stations that were assessed received improvement recommendations on a scale of one to four.
One meant do nothing; two entails repairs, maintenance and/or minor remodeling; the third option is selective demolition and renovations of a building and infrastructure; and the fourth option is to build a new facility.
Stations at 2401 Sixth Ave., 898 S. Pueblo Blvd., and 1551 Bonforte Blvd. were recommended for option three, while stations at 1800 Eagleridge Blvd. and 123 W. Evans Ave. were recommended for the less intensive option two. The city has a total of 10 fire stations. Two didn’t require assessment.
Ross said there are several reoccurring themes that appear at all eight stations, including issues with gender equity, life safety/egress, health and safety, optimum interior flow for operations and response, and in meeting current codes and standards.
Shelton said the fire department will be proposing a list of critical projects for 2019 and see if they can get City Council to work the funds for them into the budget.
Copyright 2018 Pueblo Chieftain