The city of Caldwell, Idaho, announced that it is moving forward with the final required action to begin construction on three critical fire department facilities.
Its city council approved a resolution accepting the guaranteed maximum price construction contract with CORE Construction, authorizing the use of bond and fire impact fee funds for the rebuild of Fire Station 1, the development of a Fire Administration building in downtown Caldwell and the construction of a new Fire Station 4.
The projects are supported by a total program budget of $20 million. Of that amount, $17.3 million will be funded through voter-approved bond proceeds, with the remaining balance funded through fire impact fees. This approval represents the final step before construction activities begin, with construction anticipated to start in early 2026.
In November 2023, Caldwell voters approved a fire station bond, making a direct investment in public safety and the future of emergency services in the city of Caldwell. Following voter approval, the city and the Caldwell Fire Department evaluated operational needs and long-term service demands, resulting in a comprehensive plan to modernize fire facilities and strengthen emergency response capabilities.
In April 2025, the city selected CORE Construction and Pivot North Architecture through a competitive, qualifications-based process to design and construct all three facilities. Initial conceptual cost estimates for the combined projects exceeded $25 million.
Through collaboration, creative problem solving and extensive redesign, the city and Caldwell Fire Department identified cost-saving solutions that preserved functionality while bringing the projects within budget.
The final plan includes rebuilding Fire Station 1 as a single-story facility, repurposing the former City Hall building to serve as Fire Administration, and constructing Fire Station 4 using a hybrid pre-engineered structure. Additional efficiencies were achieved by delivering all three projects as a coordinated construction effort, further reducing overall costs.
Fire Station 1 and Fire Administration will maintain a strong and visible public safety presence in downtown Caldwell. Fire Station 4 will be located on Lake Avenue, south of Karcher Road, and is being purpose-built as a shared public safety space to serve one of the city's fastest-growing areas. This approach improves response times, reduces redundant facilities, and helps control long-term costs for taxpayers.
Upon completion, the Caldwell Fire Department will operate three modern and robust facilities designed to support firefighters, enhance operational readiness and meet the needs of a rapidly growing community.
"These projects represent a meaningful investment in public safety and in the firefighters who serve this community every day," Fire Chief Bryan Daniels said. "By rethinking design, repurposing existing space, and coordinating construction, we were able to deliver the facilities our community needs while remaining responsible stewards of public funds."
