Demolition, site work, paving, outdoor lighting and new construction of a fire / police facility in Iowa City, Iowa. Conceptual plans call for the demolition of a fire / police facility; for the construction of a 10,000-square-foot, two-space fire / police facility; and for site work for a fire / police facility.

The project is to construct a new Fire Station #5 and construction a new replacement Fire Station #3. As we prepare for the construction of fire department facilities the following provides for the most current costing of fire station s that have been built in various areas of the state. The OPN facility study used $466/sf in hard costs and $723/sf as an all-in budget number that include soft costs. These numbers vary greatly and are so doubt subject to many factors such as inflation, land cost, utility fees, and so on. Recent fire station construction hard costs have varied between $500/sf to $575/sf. It is my recommendation that if a replacement fire station or a new location satellite fire station to be constructed that it be no larger than 10,000/sf. A building of this size would allow two apparatus bays that are large enough for primary fire engine, a reserve fire engine, and two smaller units such as a quick response unit and or ambulance. This project is included in the City's 2026-2029 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). As of February 10, 2026, the project is on indefinite hold. Information regarding design firm, construction manager, and general contractor has not been released. Further details regarding construction and completion timelines have not been identified. Funding has not been allocated. *Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.