Costa Mesa Approves $19.4 Million Fire Station Rebuild

City officials authorized a contract to replace the aging 80-year-old Fire Station No. 2 with a modern facility.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Construction

Isometric editorial illustration of a modern architectural model for a fire station, featuring clean lines and neutral structural forms. — The Costa Mesa City Council authorized a $19.4 million contract on Tuesday to reconstruct the 80-year-old Fire Station No. 2. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Costa Mesa City Council voted 7-0 to approve a $19.4 million project to reconstruct Fire Station No. 2 at 800 Baker St. The new building will expand the station from its current size to 9,445 square feet to accommodate updated equipment and staff quarters.

Why it matters

The current 80-year-old facility is insufficient for modern firefighting operations, necessitating a rebuild to provide a larger truck bay and upgraded living quarters for personnel.

The city awarded a $14,821,000 construction contract to Santa Clarita-based AMG & Associates, which includes a 10% contingency fee. To fund the project, the city is issuing $14 million to $16 million in lease revenue bonds.

The players

Costa Mesa City Council

The local legislative body responsible for overseeing city infrastructure projects and managing municipal financial obligations.

AMG & Associates

A Santa Clarita-based construction firm contracted to lead the rebuild of the fire station facility.

The details

The project will be financed through lease revenue bonds secured by Fire Stations No. 1 and 2, with the city pledging $1.13 million annually for 20 years. The council approved the bond issuance alongside the construction contract to facilitate the two-year building process.

October 20, 2026: City Council approved the rebuild project.
April 2027: The city begins making initial interest payments on the issued bonds.
October 2027: Principal amortization of the bonds commences.
Early 2029: The construction project is expected to reach completion.
October 1, 2046: The issued lease revenue bonds reach maturity.

Market Landscape

This project reflects a broader trend of municipal infrastructure revitalization as aging public safety facilities require upgrades to meet current operational standards. By leveraging lease revenue bonds, the city positions itself to modernize essential services without requiring immediate large-scale capital reserves.

Residents can expect the construction process at the 800 Baker St. site to span approximately two years until early 2029. The city's 20-year commitment to repay the bonds ensures long-term fiscal planning for these essential public safety upgrades.

The takeaway

Upgrading public safety infrastructure helps ensure that emergency services have the space and equipment required to maintain operational readiness. Residents should anticipate localized construction activity at the site over the next two years as the city modernizes its facilities.