Live near Fire Station 32 or 29? Design open houses today

9:33 AM: Thanks to commenter Young for mentioning having received a postcard about this – otherwise, it was unannounced, so we didn’t know until now: There are design open houses today for the upcoming projects at Fire Station 32 (rebuild) at 38th/Alaska in The Junction and Fire Station 29 (upgrade) at 2139 Ferry SW in North Admiral. The Station 32 open house is 10 am-noon, Station 29 is 1-3 pm. Assuming these are the same format as open houses at other stations, you’ll be able to stop by, take a look at design renderings, and ask questions.

11:24 AM: Added above, one of the renderings from the Fire Station 32 open house. We stopped by for photos and info and will have a followup later. The same team will be presiding at the Station 29 open house at 1, so if you have questions about 32 but didn’t get there in time, you can ask them there.

Diane March 1, 2014 (11:01 am)

are there design packets or any design info for either of these?

WSB March 1, 2014 (11:13 am)

Not online, but I hope to get electronic versions next week from the project manager with whom I just spoke at the 32 event (the same team will be at the 29 event this afternoon) . Lots of easels. We have snaps of them all (I’m writing a longer story later). Probably the most interesting detail, to me anyway, is that they have chosen the temporary site for the station while 32 is under construction – the future city park site on 40th north of Edmunds. – Tracy

Aaron March 1, 2014 (11:51 am)

WSB should inquire with the City of Seattle and the fire department specifically why it has taken over a DECADE to get these stations built.

I know the gears of government sometimes turn slow, but remember, the “Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Levy” was planned for in 2002/2003 and approved by the voters in late 2003. Why is it taking so long?

Ask any street-level firefighter and they will likely tell you it’s because the entire program was mismanaged fron the start with underqualified staffers (from the city and fire department).

WSB, there’s a story here if you’re willing to dig into it a little deeper.

miws March 1, 2014 (12:07 pm)

Too bad that the planets didn’t align correctly for SFD to possibly lease the old Huling Chev site as a temp home to 32.

Mike

Diane March 1, 2014 (1:53 pm)

thanks all; look forward to learning more

mike March 1, 2014 (1:59 pm)

I agree with miws, that would have been a great central location with quick access to so many areas including bridge accidents. Glad that SFD is getting some much needed upgrades. Hopefully they’ll have proper funding for staffing and equipment too. I’d rather ensure that SFD is well funded than most other government funded operations. We can do without a lot, but first responders are vital.

Genesee Hill March 1, 2014 (5:06 pm)

Go for it, Aaron. We will all be holding our breath waiting for the big Seattle Fire Department expose’.

McFail March 1, 2014 (10:35 pm)

I think 12 new fire stations in 10-11 years and seismic retrofits to others as well as a new training facilty is pretty good. Keep in mind that levy money is accrued and must have sufficient funding to complete these projects. 32 is one of the last new stations and was delayed due to possible relocation to a better site. The current one is small and creates challenges for the engines….

Aaron March 2, 2014 (7:35 am)

Lol. Ten to eleven years is a LONG time to get these projects done. Ironically, one of the stations that helped highlight the need for new stations (Station 20/West Queen Anne/Interbay) is also one of the last to be built. Scheduled to be completed sometime this year (we’ll see).

And you are indeed right about Station 32’s space issues with the rigs. Extremely tight with an engine, ladder and medic unit.

Not saying there is some sort of conspriacy here, but there’s definitely a compelling story about this program’s inefficiency and the level of ineptitude with some of the players running this thing.

Sorry, comment time is over.