Fire Station No. 2 Relocation
Fire Station No. 2 Relocation: A Strong Future for Public Safety in Ames
The City of Ames is moving forward with plans to relocate Fire Station No. 2 from its current location on Welch Avenue to a new site along State Avenue. A bond referendum will appear on the Tuesday, Nov. 4 ballot.
This project is designed to:
- Enhance community safety with a modern, efficient facility
- Improve emergency response times
- Support redevelopment in Campustown
Why Relocate?
Fire Station No. 2, located at 132 Welch Ave., is currently surrounded by heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic. This congestion can slow emergency response and create safety challenges. Relocating the station to State Avenue will:
- Lessen traffic-related delays
- Reduces traffic conflicts with cars, pedestrians, and delivery trucks
- Improve access for emergency vehicles
- Easier access during busy Thursday-Saturday nights
- Expand service coverage
- 120 more calls reached citywide within five minutes or less
- 300 more calls reached within five minutes or less to growth areas identified under the Ames 2040 Plan
- Increase operational efficiency with a modern, purpose-built facility
- Current station (built in 1966) lacks ADA access and modern energy standards
- New design includes carcinogen reduction strategies for firefighter health
Partnership with Iowa State University
The new station will be built on Iowa State University property, south of Baker Subdivision and College Creek. This ongoing collaboration between the City of Ames and ISU:
- Shares project costs
- Strengthens fire protection for both the university and the city
- Reinforces a long-standing public safety partnership
Redevelopment Opportunities in Campustown
Relocating the station opens the door for redevelopment of the current Welch Avenue site. Revenue from the future sale of the property will be used to reduce project debt, making the investment fiscally responsible and forward-looking.
What’s Next?
Funding for the new fire station will require a bond referendum and voter approval. This project represents a long-term investment in safety, efficiency, and community development.
What is the Cost?
- Base Construction Costs: $7,691,344
- Building, contingency, mezzanine
- Net Zero Ready Upgrades: $1,245,230
- Geothermal wells and pumps, increased electric service and square footage
- Owner Provided Services: $1,519,554
- Design fees, project management
- Total: $10,456,128
How Would This be Funded?
This would be funded by property taxes.
- Residential: $11/year for every $100,000 assessed value
- Commercial/Industrial: $97/year for every $500,000 assessed value
- Overall: 2.1% increase in the City portion of property tax