$1 Million Cost Estimated for Repairs at Fire Station; Replacing Leaky Windows, Eliminating Mold

The city of West Des Moines will have to spend about $1 million to make repairs to a fire station that has  had a leaking roof, skylight, windows and walls since it was built 20 years ago, the Des Moines Register reports.

The City Council learned Monday night that efforts about 11 years ago to repair , failed. A recent assessment by Ames-based Benjamin Design Collaborative found that the station has rotting windows, stains from leaks and some mold growth, the newspaper said.

Fire Chief Don Cox told council members a leaking skylight sparked a small fire recently in a truck bay.

John Lott of Benjamin Design recommended removing all of the brick and replacing all of the coverings where the walls and the roof connect, removing the insulation, replacing the windows and removing the wall covering, the Register said.

He estimated the cost of repairs using new brick could cost between $1 million and $1.2 million.

Mayor Steve Gaer said the entire process, which included litigation against the original contractor, has been an embarrassment for the city, according to the newspaper.