Richmond Fire Station 2 next up for renovations

Richmond Fire Department plans to renovate three of its five fire stations.

The city’s Board of Public Works and Safety opened bids Aug. 1 for a renovation project at Station 2, 930 Winding Ridge Drive. A prebid document shows a new floor plan featuring a reimagined kitchen with three refrigerators and a table, a renovated restroom with a washer and dryer, and a crew area divided into three spaces.

The announced bids were:

• $195,264 by Smarrelli General Contractor.
• $170,300 by Whisenhunt Construction.
• $138,711 by Thor Construction.

At one point, RFD explored building a new Station 2 at another location, allocating $12,000 for a study. A contract for $3,500 was approved for the renovation’s schematic design.

RFD began station renovations during 2020 with Station 3, 3850 Woodside Drive. Whisenhunt was contracted for $304,709 for the renovation’s first phase. Thor completed the second phase with a contract for $104,327.78.

Station 5 at 1971 W. Main St. is the second station undergoing renovations. After spending $20,500 for the design, RFD contracted with Thor for $324,000 to complete the project.

In addition, Smarrelli is building a storage barn behind Station 5. Smarrelli’s bid was $371,750 for its work, although the project’s total cost will exceed $400,000.

The board also approved RFD receiving 16 sets of turnout gear from Hoosier Fire Equipment Inc. of Valparaiso. The gear is projected to cost $56,160.

In addition, pre-employment contracts with Jacob Good and Eric Onstott were approved. The contracts require the firefighters to obtain paramedic certification within five years of hire. RFD also established a two-person hiring list for future hires.

Property cleanups

Reddog Enterprises Inc. received contracts for emergency cleanup and sealing of structures at 123 S. 13th St. and 103 N. 17th St. for code enforcement. Total cost is $3,950.