The existing Fire Station 77 site located at 1467 Chilco Street, Menlo Park is comprised of three main structures as well as several carports.  The three structures include the fire station, a storage facility, and a mechanics shop where the District performs all its in-house maintenance and repairs to the District’s apparatus and vehicles.  All these structures were constructed in the late ’90s.  The District proposes to perform several additions at Fire Station 77 to enhance the capabilities at this station.  The additions are comprised of the construction of a fitness room, an expansion of the existing mechanical shop, and the building of a carport.  Additionally, the District is in the process of replacing the Station 77 emergency generator with a newer larger generator that can provide emergency power to all three buildings.

The fire station was constructed with a 176 sq. ft. room located at the rear of the station to serve as the firefighter’s fitness room.  In comparison to today’s standards the District constructs fitness rooms that are 600 sq. ft. in size.  Due to the limited space, the fitness equipment has been relocated to the apparatus bay.  While the apparatus bay provides sufficient space for the fitness equipment this setup is not ideal as it limits the use of the apparatus bay by taking up valuable space, eliminates the use of the drive-through bay, and increases the potential for the firefighters to be exposed to diesel fumes.  The proposed construction of a 629 sq. ft. fitness room would free up space in the apparatus bay, allow for rear entry through the drive-through bay, and provide a properly sized and safe space for the firefighters to exercise in.  The fitness room is in the process of being constructed at the rear of the fire station and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025. 

The existing mechanic shop consists of two apparatus bays to service the District’s apparatus and fleet.  The bays are fifty feet in length which has limited the mechanic's ability to service the District’s longer apparatus which exceeds sixty-five feet in length.  The District proposes extending the length of the mechanic shop by constructing a metal structure in front of the existing mechanic shop that is thirty-one feet in length.  The new 1104 sq. ft. structure would be freestanding from the existing mechanic shop.  The extension would allow for the longest piece of apparatus to be parked inside the shop.  This addition will allow for reduced downtime of the apparatus and improve working conditions for the District’s mechanics. The third proposed addition is the construction of a carport.  This carport would be built between two existing carports.  The new carport would cover three parking spaces.  The construction of the carport will assist in limiting damage to the District’s vehicles by reducing the damage caused by the sun and other elements.  Construction of these two structure will begin in August 2025 and will be completed in 2026.

For all three additions, the District plans to use similar materials to that of the structure to which it is adjacent or attached.  The exterior finish will be painted to match the existing colors of the fire station, mechanic shop, and carports.  During construction, the firefighters will continue to operate out of the fire station with the emergency response not being impacted. 

Another component of this project is the Kitchen Remodel. Fire Station 77 was built in 1996 with what is now considered outdated kitchen cabinet materials, solid surface countertops, and linoleum flooring.  Since then, the kitchen has not been remodeled and has only had cabinetry hardware replaced as needed.  The kitchen cabinets are now failing and in need of replacement.  In addition, the firefighters have noted that due to the cabinets aging condition rodents and other pests have infiltrated the kitchen and have made their way to the back of the cabinetry. 

This project includes having the kitchen cabinetry and countertops removed and replaced with new cabinets and countertops that meet the District’s current design standards.  These standards include thick, solid composite cabinetry construction with a laminate finish, heavy duty cabinet hardware, stainless steel countertops, and polished concrete flooring.   The proposed remodel would address the aging condition of the kitchen as well as improve health conditions and eliminate the rodent and pest issue. This project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025.

The Fire Station 77 15kw generator is failing and replacement parts are difficult to obtain. The generator only provides emergency power to the fire station.  The project includes the replacement of the generator and automatic transfer switch (ATS). In addition, the new 50kw generator will be connected to all three buildings. To achieve this, additional conduit work will be required.  This project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025.

The Fire Station 77 mechanic shop was constructed in the late 1990’s.  The shop included heating, but did not include air conditioning.  During the summer seasons the shop can get hot and make it uncomfortable for the mechanics to work inside it.  The project includes adding several wall mounted units to cool the space.  This project is expected to be completed in 2026.