Fort Wayne city leaders are moving ahead with a long‑awaited public‑safety project in the Waynedale neighborhood. After years of delays, the city has awarded the building contract to Schenkel Construction and is set to break ground on the new Fire Station No. 5 at 2050 Lower Huntington Road.
Project details and timeline
The new station will span 11,540 square feet and is budgeted at $5.5 million, according to recently filed planning documents. Designed to meet modern emergency‑response needs, the facility will include multiple truck bays, sleeping and relaxation areas for firefighters, office space, a kitchen, and a dedicated water‑rescue equipment room, as outlined by Fort Wayne Fire Chief Eric Lahey.
Construction is expected to begin this month, with a target completion date of December 31, 2027. The timeline reflects the city’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure promptly, after the original start date was pushed back from 2022.
Why a new station is needed
Station No. 5 currently serves the Waynedale area but suffers from aging infrastructure, including ongoing sewer problems and outdated heating, ventilation, and air‑conditioning systems. These issues have strained the department’s ability to maintain optimal response times and comfort for its personnel.
Chief Lahey emphasized that the Waynedale project is the second of three fire‑station replacements identified in a recent city‑wide facilities study. The study highlighted the critical need to modernize fire‑service assets to keep pace with population growth and evolving safety standards.
Community impact
The new station will enhance public safety for Waynedale residents by providing faster, more reliable emergency response and better support for water‑rescue operations along the nearby waterways. Additionally, the upgraded amenities for firefighters are expected to improve morale and retention, contributing to a stronger, more resilient fire department.
Local officials have praised the project as a tangible example of the city’s investment in essential services that protect families and uphold community values. The construction contract awarded to Schenkel Construction also supports local jobs and the regional economy.
Next steps
City Council will continue to monitor the project’s progress through regular updates from the fire department and the construction team. Residents can expect periodic notices about road closures or traffic adjustments near Lower Huntington Road as work proceeds.
Fort Wayne’s commitment to modernizing its fire‑service infrastructure underscores the administration’s broader focus on safeguarding neighborhoods, supporting first‑responders, and ensuring that essential public‑safety facilities meet the needs of today’s families.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
