City Council To Decide On Armory Project In September

There is plenty of planning left to do on the site for Stillwater’s potential fire station and armory, but a decision on whether or not to move forward with the multimillion-dollar project is expected to come in September.

During Tuesday night’s city council meeting Col. Bruce Jensen of the National Guard stressed that it is too early to talk specifics on a budget for the project, but that federal funding is already approved for the roadways, parking facilities, vehicle storage facilities, readiness center and residences on site.

If the City of Stillwater chooses to move forward with the project, Jensen explained, it will be responsible for funding the design and building of the fire station portion.

Jensen also explained that potential savings for the City of Stillwater could be around $2.8 million if it chooses to partner with the National Guard on the project.

A partnership would mean collaboration on design and construction of the facility in addition to shared space for classrooms, physical fitness rooms, locker rooms, assembly hall and vending area.  

If the city does choose to partner with the National Guard, a preliminary timeline for the design of the project is as follows:

• September 2011 - Decision by City of Stillwater
• October 2011 - Selection of architect/designer
• November/December 2011 - Design charette 
• June 2012 - 35 percent of design complete 

Stillwater city council members Jim Roush and Mike Polehna appeared ready to move forward with the project in a collaborative format.

“I want to compliment you on this proposal,” Roush told Jensen after the presentation. “You seem to be very sensitive and willing to cooperate with the needs and wants of the community. I think we have a very good start right now.”

Polehna hoped to see any new project pay homage to Stillwater’s fallen heroes.

“As we move forward with this project,” he explained, “something to keep in mind is that Stillwater has a very rich history. It would be nice to pay tribute to those that went before us and the sacrifices they’ve made.”