Fairfield’s new fire station project is moving forward, even though much of the work so far has been less visible to the public.
The project was bid out last November, drawing interest from 10 contractors. The winning bid came from Christner Contracting of Ottumwa at $7,298,347. Since then, crews have been preparing the site for construction, beginning with critical utility relocation. Alliant has completed moving electric poles, and the communication line has now been removed. With those steps finished, the old poles will soon be taken out and the contractor can move ahead with installing a storm sewer along the alley.
One of the more challenging tasks so far was removing the original 1912 floor, which turned out to be a major undertaking and contributed to a significant increase in project costs. Progress on footings also slowed in July due to near-constant rain, and the contractor’s schedule shifted in August when they had to devote resources to another project. As a result, visible work on the site has been limited in recent weeks.
Despite the delays, foundations are now being poured, beginning in the southeast corner of the site and moving counterclockwise. Much of the foundation for the storm shelter area has already been completed. Once the footings are fully in place, walls that have been constructed off-site in Mount Pleasant will begin to be erected. Those walls are expected to go up within the next few weeks, giving the community its first clear look at the structure taking shape.
While it may appear from the street that little is happening, city officials emphasize that important groundwork is being accomplished. The transition from underground and foundation work to wall installation will mark a major step forward for the project.
