Medford Looks At Fire HQ In Latest Round Of Facility Upgrades

MEDFORD, MA — The city issued a request for qualifications this week to begin the process of design feasibility for a new or renovated Medford Fire headquarters.

It's the latest in a series of steps taken since last fall to update the fire department facilities throughout Medford. Renovations began in February, prior to the release of a final report from the mayor's Task Force on Fire Department Facilities.

A feasibility study for renovations at headquarters has not been completed since 2012.

"The need for upgrades and repairs across all of our fire stations is well-known, and undertaking this work has been a priority, which is why I convened a Task Force in 2020 to evaluate each building and provide detailed recommendations. I am thankful to all the members of the Task Force, which worked quickly and very thoroughly to review current issues and prioritize needs at each station," said Lungo-Koehn. "I also want to thank our Procurement team who has worked hard over the course of the last few months to go through all the proper procurement channels to prioritize work at a number of the stations, and for getting this RFQ published to begin the next phase of work by the end of the year."

The city is seeking an owner's project manager to guide the feasibility study, which is expected to begin in late summer or early fall.

"I am very happy and excited that we are moving forward to begin the process of design feasibility for a new Fire Department Headquarters," said Fire Chief Frank Giliberti. "A lot of time and energy has gone into this process to bring us where we are today. Thanks to Mayor Lungo-Koehn and the entire team who have worked so hard to make this a reality."

To date, work in progress or already completed includes:

• Release of RFQ for Owners Project Manager for Fire Headquarters
• Contracting professional services for structural review of the Engine 3 Apparatus Bay Floor
• Roof renovations or replacement at Engines 2-6
• Kitchen Renovations at Engines 2 & 5
• Replacing light fixtures at Engines 2-6 with energy efficient fixtures
• Replacing electrical outlets and switches at Engines 2-6
• Repairing or replacing overhead doors at Engines 2-6
• Installation of water re-circulator at Engine 6
• Repairing or replacing window shades
• Reviewing heating/cooling systems at Engine 5