Space constraints and the need for major repairs drove an initiative in Auburn to build a 53,000-square-foot public safety building that recently broke ground.
The $45 million project, at 550 Minot Ave., will provide headquarters for the city’s police department and fire department.
Construction is anticipated to wrap up by January 2028.
City officials have said the need for a new public safety building is critical due to issues such as accessibility, gender accommodations, space constraints, lack of storage and life-health issues for first responders.
Modern standards
The project broke ground May 28 with Fire Chief Robert Chase, Police Chief Jason Moen, City Manager Phil Crowell, members of the fire and police departments and emergency medical service, other local officials and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.
The facility will replace one of Auburn’s outdated emergency response stations, which no longer meet modern safety, health and accessibility standards. Designed to meet current Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Fire Protection Association health and safety requirements, the facility is expected to improve emergency response times, expand training capacity and enhance cooperation between emergency services.
It will include a secure public entrance, booking area, interview rooms, evidence storage, locker and shower facilities, apparatus bay, living and bunk areas, training rooms, conference rooms and community outreach spaces.
Maine has many obsolete public safety facilities, Collins said in her remarks.
Financing includes a bond approved by voters in 2023 and $2.5 million in federal funds.
Safety, health concerns
The Auburn Fire Department’s Engine 3 Station, known as Central Station, was built in 1972. The station is staffed 24/7. The station was cutting edge at the time of its construction, but no longer meets the needs of a contemporary and diverse fire service, the city has said.
Some of the greatest challenges are health risks due to lack of decontamination spaces, lack of ADA compliance, lack of training space and inadequate storage.
In 2011, the Auburn Police Department relocated from its home at 1 Minot Ave. to Auburn Hall as a temporary solution for space constraints and costly needed repairs. But the building wasn’t designed to support law enforcement functions.
Challenges include safety concerns in the courtyard, lack of adequate locker rooms, gender accommodations, lack of restrooms, training space and insufficient storage for evidence, records, police equipment, uniforms and supplies.
