The task force looked at this option seriously, and concluded that remodeling or retrofitting the existing station was not economically feasible for the following main reasons:

a.  Every space/function in the station would have to be completely gutted and rebuilt – no part of the building could remain untouched.

b. The 2-bay apparatus bay would have to be demolished and rebuilt as 4-bays closer to South Shore, so the fire engine and truck/boat could “pull through” the bay from the back, without stopping traffic on South Shore like they do now.

c. Seismic renovation of unreinforced hollow concrete block is very expensive – involving upgrading the structural frame from footings up to roof diaphragm.

The city’s policy is that all major capital projects are funded by bonds approved by voters.  We certainly understand and respect folks who have financial hardship with any additional tax.  For those who pay property taxes, the estimated bond tax rate is $0.19 per $1,000 of assessed value, or - approximately $80 to $120 per year for the average Lake Oswego home ($6.67 to $10.00 per month).

Here’s a quick breakdown of costs:

a. Hard construction cost (14,000 square feet): $12,877,000

b. Soft costs (professional services, permits, etc.): $4,029,000   

c. Contingency & rock excavation allowance: $2,813,000

d. Escalation (to mid-point of construction): $877,000

e. Total (as of February 3, 2026): $20,596,000

Also, a fire station is a complex building – it’s not a big garage with dorm rooms and kitchen attached.  Here are a few of the building systems that drive costs:

a.   The building must be built to “essential facility” standards, able to withstand a major earthquake.

b.   The apparatus bay must have a special air handling system that maintains a slight negative air pressure – to prevent contaminants (and carcinogens) which cover the equipment and firefighters returning from a fire from migrating into the living quarters. (The major cause of firefighter death is cancer.)

c.   When returning from a fire, the equipment and crews must be “decontaminated” – initially by rigorous hosing off.  The runoff water must be contained and filtered before flowing into the storm water system.

If there were no lake or rail line, 3 stations might work.  But these cut our city in half.  Each “half” needs 2 stations to adequately respond to critical, high/acuity calls and fires.  On critical medical calls, 2 engine companies respond and on structure fires, all 4 stations respond.  The 4 stations function as a coordinated system, like a 4 person volleyball team – when play starts, the players cover and backfill each other.  

The task force studied this issue by evaluating city-wide response times if the South Shore fire station were to be shut down.  The impact would be severe – increasing response times throughout the city above county and national standards, thereby reducing the likelihood of recovery from cardiac arrest, stroke and other critical high/acuity medical calls, and increasing loses in a fire.

The initial program included a large community meeting space, lobby and restrooms, but the project team and city council eliminated these spaces, reducing the cost by approximately $900,000. 

First responder service will be maintained on site continuously during the demolition and construction phases.  Temporary housing for the fire crew and a temporary structure for the fire engine, boat, and other equipment will be constructed on the city-owned land east of the existing fire station before demolition begins. Once the new station is completed, the crews and equipment will move in, and the temporary structures removed.  Maintaining continuous first responder service was a key priority of the city.

Absolutely!  Three open houses/tours are planned: Saturday, March 21st, Saturday, April 18th, and Saturday, May 2nd.  Each open house/tour is from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.  Everyone is invited.  Fire Fighter/paramedics will be on hand to walk you through the station and answer questions (unless they're on a call!).  Kids will have a chance to see the inside of the fire engine as well, and see all the firefighting equipment our first responders use.

Contingent upon the bond passing on May 19th, construction should start around the end of spring, 2027.

There are several different ways you can help out:

1. Make sure you're registered to vote (deadline is April 28)

2. Endorse the South Shore Fire Station project - hit the "endorse" button at the top of our website's home page.

3. Complete the form of endorsement to enable us to place your name in the voter information guide as an endorser (deadline is March 16th). We'll contact you once you endorse the project (item #2 above)

4. Use the "Donate” button at the top of our website to contribute to our campaign - funds are used for printing fliers, printing and postage for mailers, yard signs, banners, website, and filing fees with the county election office.  All of us on the campaign committee are volunteers.

5.  Volunteer to help us with canvassing on the last 3 weekends prior to the election - just use the "contact us" button at the top of our website's home page.

6.  Vote yes on the bond on May 19th!