Fire Department

Planning and concept evaluation.

Since 2024, the Oshkosh Fire Department and consultant SEH have evaluated alternatives for modernizing Station 15. Staff has identified the second-floor renovation with west addition as the preferred concept.

Why not simply install an elevator?

An elevator was evaluated as part of a second-floor renovation option. While it would address accessibility for the upper level, much of that option's cost would be associated with elevator installation and related modifications, without resolving Station 15's broader space limitations or future growth needs.

What is the City's preferred option?

Staff recommends renovating the second floor and constructing a west addition. This option provides accessible first-floor facilities, administrative space, room for future growth, and temporary swing space during construction.

How much will the preferred option cost?

The preliminary estimate is $6 million in 2027 dollars, including design, contingency, and construction-related costs.

Will emergency response be affected during construction?

The planned approach is to keep crews in quarters by using the addition as swing space while renovation work occurs in the existing station. Fire apparatus would remain in the apparatus bays, and staff anticipates no appreciable increase in response times.

Will Fire Station 15 close or relocate during construction?

The preferred concept is intended to avoid a full temporary relocation or service interruption. Crews would temporarily use space in the new administrative addition before returning to renovated areas of the existing station.

Will the project affect parking or access to the station?

Yes. The west addition would extend about 50 feet into the existing parking lot, affecting a limited number of public parking spaces and some vehicle and pedestrian circulation. It would also create a more visible, accessible main public entrance on the west side of the building.

Station 15 needs improvements to support a changing workforce and current operational practices. The project is intended to improve gender-specific accommodations, sleeping areas, restroom and shower capacity, wellness space, accessibility, and staff work areas.

The station is also undersized for current staffing and anticipated future needs. The west addition would move administrative functions into more functional space, improve separation between administration and fire operations, free existing areas for operational needs, and help extend the useful life of the current station.

In 2022, the SEH Station Study identified relocating administrative staff as a short-term recommendation to improve operations and extend the useful life of Station 15.

Since 2024, the Oshkosh Fire Department and SEH have evaluated renovation, accessibility, and long-term space options for Fire Station 15.

On March 5, 2026, a cost estimate was prepared for Option 1, which included a second-floor renovation and elevator. The estimated cost was approximately $4.52 million in 2027 dollars.

On April 8, 2026, draft floor-plan drawings were issued for the Station 15 concept.

On May 21, 2026, the executive summary was completed and identified Option 2—second-floor renovation with a west addition—as the staff-preferred alternative.

Future steps may include City decision-making, detailed design, public engagement, bidding, and construction scheduling, if the project is authorized.

Swing space

Temporary usable space that allows staff to remain on site while other portions of the station are being renovated.

ADA accessibility

Design features that support access and use by people with disabilities.

AHJ

Authority Having Jurisdiction—the code officials or agencies responsible for interpreting and enforcing applicable building-code requirements.

Contingency

A portion of the project budget reserved for unforeseen costs or conditions.