Emergency Services District 7 serves a large portion the northwest side of Bexar County surrounding Helotes. The area is experiencing an explosion of growth and the once rural community of farmers and ranchers is now home to more than 5,000 residents and growing. To keep up with the rapid growth in the area, ESD 7 needed to increase its capacity with the construction of a new two-story, 26,000 SF Fire Station on their four-acre property.

Marksmen General Contractors was selected among five other contractors (despite not being low-bid) due to our exceptional experience, reputation, and aggressive schedule. The project presented unique challenges and opportunities including the demolition of an old house and foundation of the old fire station.

While demolition and preparation for the new fire station was under way, our team coordinated with the Fire Chief to allow his team the opportunity to practice roof and alternative entry on the existing house. This presented the rare opportunity for the firefighters to conduct live training in a controlled environment.

The exterior of the structure is Spec-Brik®, a cost-effective CMU option that delivers the “look” of brick but includes insulated inserts for greater energy efficiency and increased moisture penetration resistance. The Fire Station is the first building in the San Antonio area to utilize the building material.

The new Fire Station is a pillar in the community. The two-story, 26,000 SF steel and CMU structure allows ESD 7 to better serve their area with a larger firehouse capable of supporting larger teams and more engines. The first floor includes a 7,400 SF apparatus bay with five, four-fold sectional doors in the front and overhead doors in the rear. Each bay includes a trench drain. The rest of the first floor includes rooms for bunker gear, EMS storage, a decontamination room, oil separator room, locker room with showers, fitness center, and lobby. The second floor includes nine offices, a conference room, twelve bunkrooms, restrooms, showers, laundry room, kitchen, day room, and 1,100 SF outdoor patio.