The City of Columbia will host an interested parties meeting regarding the proposed replacement of Fire Station No. 5 at 1400 Ballenger Lane.
The existing station, originally constructed in the 1970s, has experienced structural issues and no longer provides adequate space or modern facilities to support current operations. As growth continues along Columbia’s northeast corridor, the Columbia Fire Department has identified the need for updated facilities to maintain response coverage and support firefighters and staff.
Current proposals call for constructing a new station on the same site near Ballenger Lane and Ria Street. Concept plans include three apparatus bays capable of housing the City’s largest emergency vehicles, along with living, office, training and storage areas. The design approach emphasizes energy- and water-efficient systems, regionally sourced and recycled materials where feasible, and site features intended to promote safety and compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood.
The interested parties meeting will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, in Room 1C of City Hall, 701 E. Broadway. Community members are invited to learn more about the proposed project, review preliminary design concepts and share feedback.