MTFR planning for new digs

The Miami Township Board of Trustees recently awarded a contract to Michael Schuster Associates (MSA) Architects of Cincinnati to perform a master planning study towards the replacement of the current Yellow Springs fire station and township administration offices. The contracted services will cost up to $24,000 and will be completed this summer.

The master planning study is designed to assist the Township in reviewing the overall service needs for the fire station and developing sound criteria whereby the township can assess and select the most effective location for a new fire station and township administration office. The goal is to locate a potential new facility in a way that minimizes response time to the majority of residents. Once appropriate sites are identified, MSA will prepare initial concept diagrams for each site and review potential over all costs and benefits analysis. Each site will have a corresponding response map. This information will allow the Trustees to determine the feasibility of moving forward with the project.

The current approximately 7,000 ft2 fire station and township office was built in 1955 and added on to in phases over the years and poses many problems. Fire department apparatus purchasing is limited due to size constraints; there are substandard living spaces for volunteers and part-time staff who work overnight shifts; and administrative, training and public spaces are inadequate. Additionally, five township officials share one room within the station affording them little effective space with which to conduct their business.

According to Chief Colin Altman, a potential new home for the township will be more than just a building. “We want to create a whole new sense of place, which will be a source of civic pride and a gathering place for the entire township community.” MSA will conduct a public meeting during the study to solicit public input.

MSA Architects was founded in 1985 and provides comprehensive services in architecture, interior design, planning and environmental graphics. The firm has designed government buildings and fire station throughout Ohio, including facilities in Fairborn, Vandalia, Mason and Granville.