By TIFFANY REPECKI
The Sanibel and Fire Rescue District’s commission has selected a firm to design the rebuild of the Sanibel-Captiva Road fire station that was severely damaged in Hurricane Ian.
At a special meeting on May 17, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 on a motion to approve the conceptual design from SchenkelShultz Architecture. In a second motion, they also voted 3-0 to delegate to Fire Chief Kevin Barbot the authority to enter into a work order with the firm to complete the design and construction documents and to assist with the procurement of construction services.
Prior to the vote, the commission heard a presentation from each of the two finalist firms, SchenkelShultz and GMA Architects & Planners, on their design idea for Station 172.
SchenkelShultz outlined the existing site analysis, including that the communications tower must remain, a detached garage be kept for storage, and the existing infrastructure. It addressed functional requirements that were provided by the district and its staff-manned technical advisory committee.
First floor requirements included three drive-thru apparatus bays, a bunker gear room, decontamination room, shop room, tools and equipment storage, treatment room, and public reception area. For the second floor, there was a living area, outdoor kitchen and dining, six bunk rooms, laundry, gym/fitness, and office area/IT room.
