Completion of Fort Buffalo Fire Station delayed
Construction of the Fort Buffalo Station Fire on Sleepy Hollow Road in Seven Corners is nearly completed, but it’s not expected to open until February due to a construction problem.
The plan to replace the old aging and obsolete facility with a larger building was approved by the Fairfax County Planning Commission in May 2021. The project was initially expected to be completed in summer 2023. That was later extended to summer 2024.
“While the project is in its final stages, the front doors for the apparatus bay remain pending,” said Sharon North, a public information officer at the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services.
“The county’s general contractor for the project was informed by their subcontractor that the manufacturer of the doors defaulted on their obligation. The subcontractor has engaged a new manufacturer for the doors and associated hardware and anticipates delivery and installation in January.”
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Meanwhile, final inspections and other requirements related to permitted occupancy are underway, North said.
During construction the fire station is housed in a temporary structure at 6637 South St. in Falls Church.
The new fire station will be 13,500 square feet, will have three vehicle bays, expanded accommodations for female staff, and an improved layout. The old building was just 8,500 square feet and had two bays.
Originally known as the Seven Corners Fire Station, the facility was renamed Fort Buffalo in 2023.
So who’s paying for the delay? The contractor or FFC taxpayers?