PBC Awards Contracts on South, West Side Firehouses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 9, 2002
Contact: Jack Beary
(312) 744-9277

The Public Building Commission of Chicago today awarded a $12.2 million contract for construction of two new fire stations, one on the South Side and one on the West Side, under Mayor Richard M. Daley's Neighborhoods Alive 21 program.

Under a contract approved by PBC Board members, Pacific Construction Services will build the new stations, Engine Company 84, at 59th and State streets; and Engine Company 38, at 16th Street and Pulaski Road. The stations will provide enlarged doorways to house today's larger emergency vehicles, officials said. The new 15,000-square-foot firehouses also will feature updated living quarters and circular driveways to reduce traffic hazards as fire trucks exit on calls.

Each facility will include approximately 1,000 square feet of space for fire command offices, officials said. The stations will accommodate the most up-to-date firefighting technology, including modern emergency communications facilities. Currently, Engine Company 38 is headquartered at 2111 South Hamlin Avenue in a firehouse built in 1915, officials said. Engine Company 84's station, at 6204 South Green Avenue, dates to 1929.

Pacific Construction has committed to at least 25 percent participation in the projects by minority business enterprises and 5 percent participation by women business enterprises, officials said. In addition, minorities will handle 50 percent of the hours worked at the sites, and at least 5 percent of the hours worked will be performed by community residents.

Mayor Daley, who chairs the PBC, began the Neighborhoods Alive 21 program two years ago as a major investment in Chicago's infrastructure that includes replacing outdated police and fire stations throughout Chicago.