Re: the SouthEnd FireStation Consultant's Conclusion-

The City has provided me with various FireStation studies that have been done over the years. I'm impressed with the amount and quality of the various things shown me but I'd still like to see what we have now incorporated into an Addition rather than a rebuild from the ground up. The existing could still function during the time the construction was going on. Adding a strong steel frame and at the same time bracing what's there might well be an entirely valid way to go says this experienced architect who worked as a project designer in large offices doing this kind of thing. This "Green" more organic way of providing the improved facility that our dedicated firefighters need should be studied by the already selected and most capable project architects before a (perhaps) necessary teardown is ordered. Jerry-

Here's the SouthEnd FireStation Consultant's Conclusion:

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"Furthermore, we understand the station must be expanded if renovated to extend the life of the building. As stated in the Lawhead study, the site is too small to support further expansions and andy additions must be constructed vertically (additional stories). The existing structure cannot support vertical or lateral loads from an additional story. Therefore, a separate structural system designed to supplement the original structure is required to support any additional areas. This type of construction tends to be quite tedious, very labor intensive, and generally cost prohibitive. We recommend the City of Mercer Island and the Fire Department compare the cost of renovation/expansion versus complete replacement to choose the best course of action."