HOLDEN, Maine — The public is invited to check out the Holden Fire Department’s new additions and renovations during an open house next week.
The event begins with an opening ceremony at noon on Saturday, Aug. 15. Station tours will follow.
Work on the new addition and renovations to the existing truck bays began in November of last year, Town Manager Benjamin Breadmore said earlier.
The point of the $417,000 overhaul — $405,000 for the main part of the project and an additional $12,000 for a hose tower and dormer — was to
expand work and storage space and improve living quarters for firefighters.
Among other things, the project resulted 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.
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 was installed to remove fumes from the building.
And thanks to the Holden Fire Department’s auxiliary members and a good deal from Lowe’s, firefighters have brand new kitchen appliances, Breadmore said.
According to the town manager, the former quarters were created in the 1970s, when the department was strictly volunteer. Since then, the department has grown in size and provides 24-hour coverage for residents as well as mutual aid coverage in several surrounding communities.
The project was designed by Holden architect Dave Merritt. Aaron Newcomb Building Construction Inc., also of Holden, was 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.