Select Board members reviewed preliminary schematics for an addition and remodel to the Town of Hampden fire station and asked the project team to return with a revised cost estimate on April 7.

The plan shown to the board depicts the existing station in a darker shade and a striped lighter area for the proposed addition, primarily on the west and north sides of the building. The schematic shows enlarged vehicle bays (labeled E1, E2), a training area, office space, storage and a potential second-floor living area that would require a second exit if built out for sleeping quarters.

Why it matters: architects, the fire chief and the building committee emphasized that modern fire apparatus are larger than older trucks, requiring higher bay heights and layout changes. Board members flagged site issues—grading, driveways and the presence of a town right of way—that could affect construction cost and scope.

During the review, the board and project team discussed: the need to raise one existing garage bay to accommodate truck maintenance; an exhaust system for vehicle bays; a buried tank and sprinkler piping tied to any sleeping quarters; and whether areas labeled as future living quarters would be built out as finished rooms now or left as unfinished space.

Fire Chief (identified in the meeting as “Chief”) described operational needs, noting the need for higher bay heights so truck cabs can be tilted for repairs. He also said the new apparatus bays will require an exhaust system that serves the entire addition. The chief confirmed the generator is wired and fuel delivery and startup scheduling remain to be completed.

Building committee members and staff asked the architect to correct the site grading and driveway details before an estimator finalizes a price. One board member noted the site drawing does not show the uphill grade and said any retaining, foundation or drainage work should be included in estimates. A committee member added: "That's one thing the building committee picked up right away as well," referencing missing embankment and window/brick details on the initial drawings.

The team said sprinklering would be required if living/sleeping quarters are included. The architect told the board the drawings are preliminary schematics intended to secure a cost estimate; the group plans another coordination meeting with the architect on Thursday and expects to bring a firm number to the Select Board on April 7.

What’s next: the project team will ask the architect and estimator to correct site and scope assumptions (grading, driveway/right-of-way issues, brick and window scope, sprinkler tank location) and return with an adjusted price and clarified drawings for the board on April 7.