Key West commission presses designers on $25 million Fire Station 3 plan
October 01, 2026 | Key West, Monroe County, Florida
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Fortune Secured and design partners presented a conceptual plan for a new Fire Station No. 3 on the site of the current station, telling the City Commission the project is sized for storm surge resilience and modern operations and is currently estimated at $25 million.
“One of the big and most critical items is how do we hit the $25,000,000 budget,” said Ted Kava, the project lead, noting the team benchmarked construction costs against similar recent public‑safety facilities and assumed $1,100–$1,200 per square foot for construction costs plus soft costs.
Designers described a two‑story, three‑bay drive‑through station with living quarters on the main operational level, an administrative suite above, and flood‑resilient elevational design to meet anticipated FEMA changes. The plan also calls for temporary facilities to house crews during construction; presenters said a temporary station near 17th Street is being planned so construction could begin in late 2027 or early 2028.
Commissioners pressed staff and the developer on priorities. “If the cost is unacceptable…then the question is, is the direction that we need to pare that down?” said Vice Mayor Lee, who urged the commission to prioritize operational living space, fitness and a training tower over moving a large administrative suite immediately to the new site.
City staff and the administration told the commission they have already applied for federal funding that could offset a portion of the cost, including a pending $13 million application in Washington. Commissioners instructed staff to return with tighter cost options, an implementation timetable and the fire department’s preferred operating configuration before the commission signs a comprehensive agreement.
The commission did not vote on the project design at this meeting. Staff said a draft comprehensive agreement will be brought back for action once the city has clearer cost and procurement information and after additional input from the fire crews and union representatives.
“One of the big and most critical items is how do we hit the $25,000,000 budget,” said Ted Kava, the project lead, noting the team benchmarked construction costs against similar recent public‑safety facilities and assumed $1,100–$1,200 per square foot for construction costs plus soft costs.
Designers described a two‑story, three‑bay drive‑through station with living quarters on the main operational level, an administrative suite above, and flood‑resilient elevational design to meet anticipated FEMA changes. The plan also calls for temporary facilities to house crews during construction; presenters said a temporary station near 17th Street is being planned so construction could begin in late 2027 or early 2028.
Commissioners pressed staff and the developer on priorities. “If the cost is unacceptable…then the question is, is the direction that we need to pare that down?” said Vice Mayor Lee, who urged the commission to prioritize operational living space, fitness and a training tower over moving a large administrative suite immediately to the new site.
City staff and the administration told the commission they have already applied for federal funding that could offset a portion of the cost, including a pending $13 million application in Washington. Commissioners instructed staff to return with tighter cost options, an implementation timetable and the fire department’s preferred operating configuration before the commission signs a comprehensive agreement.
The commission did not vote on the project design at this meeting. Staff said a draft comprehensive agreement will be brought back for action once the city has clearer cost and procurement information and after additional input from the fire crews and union representatives.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
