WEST BEND — Construction continues at the former Johnson Bus depot site as work progresses on the West Bend Fire Department’s new Station #1, a long-planned project aimed at addressing space and infrastructure limitations at the department’s existing facility.
City officials approved the project last year after the fire department raised concerns about the aging conditions at its current location at 325 N. 8th Ave. In addition to outgrowing the space, the department cited ongoing mechanical and electrical challenges, including a failing HVAC system and electrical infrastructure unable to adequately support air conditioning units.
Those operational constraints accelerated plans for a modernized fire station designed to better meet current and future service needs.
The new Station #1 is being built on a 12-acre parcel near the intersection of highways 33 and 45 on Johnson Street. The site previously housed the Johnson Bus property, which has since been cleared to make way for the public safety facility.
The project carries an estimated cost of $24.7 million and is being financed through municipal bonding. City officials have projected the building to have a lifespan of approximately 70 years, with bond repayment scheduled over 21 years. For homeowners, the anticipated tax impact is estimated at about $78 annually for a home valued at $300,041, totaling roughly $1,634 over the life of the bond.
Once completed, the new fire station is expected to provide expanded space, upgraded mechanical systems and improved functionality to support emergency response operations in West Bend.
Construction is currently on track, with city officials estimating the facility will be completed by late 2026. When finished, the new Station #1 will replace the department’s existing headquarters and serve as a long-term investment in public safety infrastructure for the community.
Originally reported by Daily News Staff in GM Today.
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