By Joe Kelly

As it undertakes one of the largest and most significant public works projects in the town’s history—a new firehouse—Norfolk is also battling historically high construction costs.

Since the onset of the Covid epidemic in 2020, construction materials have undergone price increases averaging 19 percent across the board, according to a report from Gordian, a data tracking firm that specializes in construction costs.

While price increases have moderated on some materials (lumber) and even dropped in some cases (drywall), overall costs remain well above pre-Covid levels.  Labor shortages and supply chain issues also remain challenging.

The building committee for the new firehouse, which includes representatives from the town and fire department, have been meeting with the project’s architectural firm, Silver/Petrucelli & Associates of Hamden, to review the current plans in a hunt for elements that may be desirable, but not necessary.

“We’re all trying to be as conservative as possible,” said First Selectman Matt Riiska. “Everyone realizes that the goal here is to get what we need, which may not be entirely the same as what everyone wants.”

Plans for a new firehouse in Norfolk have been under discussion for years. The existing building, which was built in the early 1970s, is too small and no longer meets current safety and environmental codes. A new firehouse would be built in roughly the same location on Shepard Road as the current facility and, at 10,000 square feet, would be double the size. That would allow enough space around the six primary firefighting vehicles to meet government-mandated safety codes while also supporting other ancillary uses—administration, dispatch, decontamination, training, better ventilation and a proper kitchen—which are missing from the existing facility.

The review of the plans has already resulted in some relatively small-bore adjustments on issues such as exterior finishes—using less stone veneer—and taking a simpler approach to some of the windows.

Other decisions involve trade-offs that are more complex. For example, the current plans call for radiant heat to be installed in the firehouse’s cement floor. It’s more energy efficient, reduces operating costs and is better for the environment. But the upfront investment is higher compared to other options. Another example would bifold doors on the vehicle bays—that is, doors that split in the middle and open to the left and right versus traditional overhead doors. Bifold doors operate more efficiently and allow more light into the building. Again, the upfront costs are higher. 

After reviewing recent firehouse construction projects, including one in Bristol, Conn., for a 9,000-square-foot facility, the town is bracing for a price tag that could come in at around $800 a square foot—or approximately $8 million for Norfolk’s proposed 10,000-square-foot building. Given the volatility in construction costs, the actual price could be higher or even lower. 

The town has received a commitment from the state government for $2.5 million and has made requests for $1.5 million in federal support through the offices of both of Connecticut’s U.S. senators and Norfolk’s representative in Congress, Jahana Hayes. 

A capital campaign for the firehouse among major donors, chaired by Tony Kiser, has netted $1.5 million to date. The rest of the funds would come from continued fundraising, as well as a 25-year municipal bond, which would be paid for via local property taxes. 

The town was recently able to refinance an existing $4 million, 25-year bond for work on Maple Ave and the Botelle School, lowering the interest rate from 5.88 percent to 3.46 percent. Getting a similar rate on a bond for the firehouse could allow the town to handle more of the cost through long-term financing. But before more fundraising can get underway, or bond financing arranged, the actual cost of the building needs to be clearer. Riiska said he expects to have a detailed estimate from a professional construction estimator completed this summer. A vote at a town meeting would be necessary to approve the project and any final budget.

Editor’s note: Norfolk Now will hold a forum about the firehouse in the coming months. Please feel free to email questions to editor@nornow.org. These will help shape planning for the event.