Fort Myers, FL (March 3, 2023) – Heatherwood Construction Company is rebuilding and enhancing two Iona-McGregor Fire District stations damaged by Hurricane Ian.
Station No. 71, located at 5401 Winkler Road in Fort Myers, sustained significant water damage throughout the inside building and Heatherwood Construction Company is rebuilding much of the inside, including the kitchen, living area, bunk rooms, exercise and laundry rooms. The damage wasn’t as severe at another station, No. 72, located at 16551 McGregor Blvd., but the building does require a new roof because of the 140 mph winds. Emergency, dry-in work on the roof was completed.
About two feet of water flowed through Station No. 71, resulting in all the sheet rock, ceilings and flooring being removed in this design-build project. Part of the reconstruction will include flood panels that will protect the station from up to 6 feet of water. A sup pump also would be added should there be any seepage. The damage also provided an opportunity for a redesign of the kitchen by Cape Coral-based Castellanos + Tramonte Architects, opening the area and allowing for better interaction between the firefighters. The washer and dryer are also being relocated inside the living quarters instead of in the apparatus bay. Complete makeovers of the bathrooms with new showers and tile also are part of the project as well as a new, backup generator. New epoxy flooring also could be installed in the apparatus bay.
“Now, there won’t be any flooding inside,” said Mario Andre, the superintendent on the project for Heatherwood Construction Company, noting this is the first time the company has made extensive use of these panels for such a large project. “We absolutely could be using this product more in future projects.
Station No. 71 was originally constructed in 1971 and renovated in 2007. It was the first Iona-McGregor Fire District facility. Construction upgrade work has not yet started as the new design work continues. Heatherwood Construction Company hopes to have the station ready sometime this year. For now, the firefighters and apparatus have been relocated to another station.
About Heatherwood Construction Company
Heatherwood Construction Company is a full-service, commercial general contractor serving the west coast of Florida from Marco Island to the Panhandle. Since 1980, the premier firm has provided complete construction services, including site search and selection, feasibility analysis, site development, value engineering, vertical construction, LEED certification, and more. Recent projects include schools, multi-family, retail, restaurants and community amenities.