Planning remains underway for the late 2022 construction of a new fire station in the southern Arizona town of Tubac.
City leaders and officials with the Tubac Fire District have long said that the current nearly 50-year-old Station 1 at 2227 Interstate 19/Frontage Road is outdated and in need of upgrading.
Issues with the existing station include the lack of an automatic sprinkler system, too-narrow garage doors, and restrooms and a kitchen that are not Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.
Because upgrading the current station could easily cost more than $1 million, it was determined that building an entirely new facility would be more cost effective.
As such, members of the Tubac Fire District Governing Board last summer voted in favor of a new station, with construction pegged to begin by mid-fall.
According to plans earlier presented by the Tucson-based WSM Architects, the new station will likely measure around 14,000 square feet, requiring, at least, a two-acre site.
The new building will house just under 8,800 square feet of fire truck and garage space, along with office space of nearly 5,300 square feet.
Established in 1974, the Tubac Fire District currently has four stations providing coverage to a population of around 10,000 people.
By Garry Boulard
