TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Bruce Moe, City Manager
FROM:
Stephanie Katsouleas, Public Works Director
Derrick Abell, Acting Fire Chief
Prem Kumar, City Engineer
Mamerto Estepa, Jr., Associate Engineer
SUBJECT:Title
Review of Proposed Fire Station No. 2 Design Concepts, Floorplan and Site Plan, and Selection of Final Design for the Exterior of the Building (Public Works Director Katsouleas).
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
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Recommended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council review the five proposed Fire Station No. 2 design concepts, the floorplan and site plan, and select a final design for the exterior of the building.
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FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost for demolition and reconstruction of a new Fire Station No. 2 is $7.8 million, as determined by LPA, Inc. in 2017. An updated cost estimate will be performed after a detailed exterior and interior design plan is developed during Phase II of the design process.
BACKGROUND:
Fire Station No. 2, located at the southeast corner of Rowell Ave. and Manhattan Beach Blvd., was constructed in 1954 and has served the community well for decades. However, over time significant changes have occurred with staffing, fire apparatus and building codes, in particular seismic-related structural requirements for first-response facilities. Fire Station No. 2 is not in compliance with newer structural codes, which has the potential to impact service delivery in the event of a large earthquake or other natural disaster. Additionally, the facility does not provide accommodations for female firefighters and other privacy issues, the size of the apparatus bay does not accommodate today’s modern firefighting equipment, and there is no space available to provide other types of community services (e.g., clinics). In short, it has outlived its useful and functional life to accommodate today’s needs, demands and service personnel.
On September 5, 2017, staff presented to City Council a needs assessment/feasibility study (report) that explored renovation or replacement of three major facilities in Manhattan Beach, which included Fire Station No. 2. Following that presentation, City Council discussed the pros and cons of retrofitting the existing fire station versus constructing a new fire station, and ultimately directed staff to move forward with the complete replacement of Fire Station No. 2.
Following that decision, in early 2018 staff prepared and released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Fire Station design services and on May 1, 2018, City Council awarded an Agreement to WLC Architects (WLC) for $764,710 for design and construction support services for the New Fire Station No. 2. WLC Architects has extensive experience in designing Fire Stations throughout California and was deemed the most qualified candidate and best overall value for the fee proposed.
DISCUSSION:
In developing the plans presented at this City Council meeting, WLC Architects collaborated with a design committee comprised of Fire, Community Development, Information Technology, and Public Works Department staff. During the initial design meetings, WLC inventoried the design elements present in the existing Fire Station No. 2, and Community Development provided direction with code and planning considerations applicable to this project. Next, the team toured recently-constructed fire stations to survey design elements used in other modern fire stations. At subsequent meetings, Fire Department staff provided operational input on the floorplan and site plan for the new fire station. From these meetings, preliminary plans were developed and presented for review and comment by the design committee as well as Fire Department crew, including those stationed at Fire Station No. 2. Based on the comments received, WLC then refined the preliminary floorplan and site plan. Those refined plans, along with five exterior design options, are included as an attachment to this report. The options reflect different colors, textures, materials, and architectural lines that can be used for the exterior of the new Fire Station No. 2.
The new station is proposed to be 8,530 square feet, which incorporates elements not present in the existing 4000 sqft building, including a separate lobby, captain’s office, crew workstations and space to accommodate a community clinic. The design also incorporates space for storage and workout facilities that are currently housed in a separate structure on site. The apparatus bay is enlarged, allowing it to accommodate three vehicles rather than two at the current fire station. Living quarters will be located upstairs. Lastly, there will be six (6) separate dormitories that can accommodate potential future growth of the Fire Department, including facilities for female firefighters.
Public meetings were held on October 29, 2018 at Manhattan Heights and on December 3, 2018 at the Police/Fire Facility to present and receive feedback on the design concepts for the new Fire Station No. 2. Favorable comments were received for design concept options #1, 4, & 5. Option #3 did not receive favorable comments and option #2 did not receive any comments.
Residents whose properties abut Fire Station No. 2 raised concerns about the height of the new fire station, privacy issues related to second story windows, and the potential inconveniences associated with active construction. Staff addressed these concerns, noting that the new structure would not be taller than the existing fire station’s tower. Furthermore, the height and privacy concerns may be mitigated because the abutting properties are at a higher elevation than the existing fire station. During construction, the City will make every effort to minimize impacts to surrounding residents.
Staff is now seeking approval from City Council on the floorplan and site plan, as well as direction on which design concept to use for the exterior of the building. Following selection of the preferred design option, WLC will prepare a final concept layout and renderings, as well as refine any floorplan and site plan elements needed. If the scope of changes requested on the design elements are significant, staff will host another public meeting to present the final design and then return to City Council for final approval. However, if there are no significant changes requested, WLC will then move in to the next phase of preparing design documents that will become the basis for construction bidding.
Please note that construction documents are not expected to be completed until fall 2019. Because the City is exploring the feasibility of utilizing Los Angeles County Fire services, any decision made by City Council regarding the timing and financing for construction of a new Fire Station No. 2 is expected to occur after City Council considers contracting for County fire services.
PUBLIC OUTREACH/INTEREST:
As mentioned above, two public meetings were held, one on October 29, 2018 and December 3, 2018. These meetings were advertised in the Beach Reporter and posted to the City’s social media channels. The designs were also posted on the City’s website under Community News and Updates. Additional outreach will occur as needed as staff navigates through the remaining design phases and prior to any construction phase.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
An environmental review will be conducted during the design phase after the floorplan and site plan are finalized. Environmental review will include performing a detailed assessment and preparation of all required documentation in compliance with CEQA and all other environmental rules and regulations.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and determined that no additional legal analysis is necessary.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Floor Plan, Site Plan and Exterior Design Options
2. PowerPoint Presentation