Commission approves up to $35,000 for fire‑station feasibility and design study

The Lafayette Redevelopment Commission voted May 28 to contract with Studio Access for a feasibility and conceptual-design study for a proposed new Lafayette Fire Department station, with the agreement capped at $35,000.

Kevin Cooper, founding partner of Studio Access, said his Indianapolis-based firm has designed nearly 60 fire stations in Indiana and will undertake programming, site-feasibility studies for three to five candidate sites, conceptual designs and magnitude-level cost estimates. He said the team will meet with Chief Alky and fire personnel, conduct station tours of comparable facilities, identify red flags and recommend a preferred site and conceptual design direction.

A motion to approve the design-services contract (not to exceed $35,000) was made and seconded and passed by voice vote with one opposition recorded. Staff will coordinate follow-up meetings between Studio Access and Lafayette fire personnel as the study proceeds.