HOLDEN, Maine — If all goes to plan, firefighters will be moving into a larger, newly overhauled work and living space in early June, Holden Town Manager Benjamin Breadmore said Friday.
Work on the new addition and renovations to the existing truck bays began in November and will continue through late spring, he said.
Local officials will break ground Monday on an addition and renovations to the town’s fire station that aim to expand work and storage space and improve living quarters for firefighters.
Among other things, the project will result in three new bays for vehicles, bringing the total to five; new bunk rooms; a kitchen and living quarters at the back of the bays; a hose tower and improvements to existing bays for a gear room and duty office, Breadmore said.
According to the town manager, the project also will improve energy efficiency and provide a safer and healthier working environment, not only for firefighters but for staff who work in the connected town office.
That’s because a ventilation system is being installed to remove fumes from the building, he said.
And thanks to the Holden Fire Department’s auxiliary members and a good deal from Lowe’s, firefighters will have brand new kitchen appliances, Breadmore said.
He said earlier that the current quarters have been used since the 1970s, when the department was strictly volunteer.
Since then, however, the department has grown in size and provides 24-hour coverage for residents as well as mutual aid coverage in several surrounding communities.
Once the project is completed and firefighters have moved in, the town will hold an open house so that residents can see the improvements, Breadmore said.
The project was designed by Holden architect Dave Merritt. Aaron Newcomb Building Construction Inc., also of Holden, is the contractor.
Late last year, the construction company was awarded a $405,000 contract for the main part of the project, but the Town Council also approved an additional $12,000 for a hose tower and dormer.
Once the department moves into its new digs, its existing living quarters will be used for storage of town records and a break room for town office staff.