The Hoover Fire Department is preparing to open its new Fire Station No. 1, located at 1596 Montgomery Highway in the Green Valley community. This new facility, which replaces the original station behind the Hoover Court shopping center, faced a nine-month delay due to contractor issues but is now set to begin operations in June.
Construction Challenges
The $5.25 million project, managed by Kyser Construction, encountered several setbacks. Initial delays were attributed to slow mobilization by the contractor, leading the city to involve the surety bonding company to expedite progress. Despite these efforts, the project extended beyond the original August 2025 completion date.
Fire Chief Clay Bentley noted a lack of supervision and accountability on the job site, with multiple superintendents overseeing the project at different times. The city considered terminating the contract with Kyser Construction but decided against it to avoid further delays and complications with warranties.
Financial Adjustments
Kyser Construction faced a potential penalty of over $130,000 for the delays, but city officials negotiated a reduced penalty of $88,500 to bring the project to completion by the end of May. Despite the challenges, the final cost of the project was approximately $55,000 below the original contract amount, thanks to penalty revenues.
New Facilities and Future Plans
The new fire station is an 8,900-square-foot, two-story building featuring three vehicle bays, sleeping quarters, and a kitchen. It provides easier access to U.S. 31 and enhanced visibility for the Fire Department. The station will accommodate at least 12 firefighters on a rotating basis across three shifts.
City officials have yet to decide the fate of the old Fire Station No. 1. Options include selling the property or repurposing it for use by the Hoover Historical Society or as a logistics center for Fire Department equipment.
City Administrator Brian Muenger expressed confidence in the new station’s long-term benefits, emphasizing its role in serving the community for decades to come.
Original reporting: Hoover Sun — read the source article.
