Progress On the City of North Port Public Safety Building

We’re on Track!

We’re happy to report that construction of the new $13 million City of North Port Public Safety Building is on schedule to deliver early Q2 2022. Wellen Park and the City of North Port, partners on the development of the new building, broke ground in February.

Located at the southwest corner of Tamiami Trail and Preto Boulevard, the 25,000-square-foot building is the future home of North Port Fire Station 86, a North Port Police annex, and Sarasota County Fire Station 26. 

Exterior construction has been completed and windows have been installed. Work is currently underway on the building’s interior, the parking lots are scheduled to be paved in December, and the police garage will be completed in late January, allowing for use during the Atlanta Braves’ 2022 Spring Training Season.

What to Expect

As the city’s population continues to grow west of the Myakka River, the new building is needed to meet current and future demand. The Public Safety Building will provide faster emergency services to Wellen Park and the surrounding areas.

“Wellen Park continues to grow at a steady pace,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “With this new public safety building, we can ensure fire, police and other emergency services are readily available for the community.”

Setting the Scene

Plunkett Raysich Architects designed this all-new building, and engineering work is being completed by Snell Engineering Consultants, AM Engineering Inc., Kimley-Horn, and Quest Design Group. Willis Smith Construction is expected to complete the building in Q2 of 2022. 

A four-bay, double-deep, 7,000-square foot apparatus room will house rescue vehicles and fire trucks behind bright red metal and glass doors. At the building’s corner, a 1946 Seagrave fire truck will sit within a glass display room. This will symbolize the rich history of North Port Fire Rescue and will glow at night like a lantern for the community.

The new Station 86 will also provide offices, sleeping quarters, and support space for the City of North Port and Sarasota County in this shared facility. A masonry stair tower will serve as a spot where personnel can practice rappelling, ladder, hose training, and other simulated conditions. The campus will also include a rescue helipad, a 1,600-square-foot police garage for support equipment, and dedicated parking for police and fire personnel and visitors. 

Last, but certainly not least, a commemorative Hero Plaza will memorialize and honor the men and women who have served for their dedication and achievements.

In The Heart of Downtown Wellen

The Public Safety Building will be located within the Downtown Wellen district — a vibrant hub currently under construction that will feature shopping, dining, entertainment options, and other amenities. The mixed-use development will be open to residents and visitors alike and feature waterfront experiences, pedestrian-friendly streets, and public community spaces.

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