Palatine to scale back new fire station design

The road to Palatine's new Quentin Road fire station hit a small bump after the schematic design's cost estimate came in higher than the project's $3 million budget.

As a result, the village worked with the construction manager and architects to come up with design alternatives - most of which are cosmetic - in order to trim about $100,000.

The council on Monday authorized Village Manager Reid Ottesen to approve the modified design and related budget report, and to direct Williams Architects to proceed with the final construction documents.

"It's possible that, given the favorable bidding climate, we might be able to put some features back in," Fire Chief Bob Falardeau said. "But in the meantime, we have to be responsible."

One change to the 8,700-square-foot building was to reduce the accommodations to a maximum of five personnel, down from six in the original design. The modified capacity is consistent with the Dundee Road station, which currently staffs three firefighters and will close once the new facility opens.

The decorative gable on the rear side of the station was eliminated, as were columns and some masonry features, such as some colorful stone-like work on the front of the building. Officials said the proposed alternative design still blends in well with the neighborhood's rural residential feel.

One feature still in the works that particularly excited councilmen is the drive-through, which allows ambulances and engines to re-enter the garage from the rear rather than backing in and holding up traffic.

Falardeau said he doesn't anticipate a delay in bidding, and that construction still is scheduled to begin this spring. The project is expected to be complete in early 2011.