October 2026

What a difference a few months can make! Since demolition began in February, the Station 51 replacement project has made significant progress. What started as a cleared construction site has transformed into a two-story building, with much of the station's structure now taking shape.

The replacement station is part of Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One's voter-approved 2022 Capital Bond projects. Once completed, the new facility will house an engine company, medic unit, and Battalion Chief, with upgraded spaces and features designed to improve firefighter safety and support emergency response operations.

From Demolition to Foundation

Construction began on February 9 with the demolition of the original Station 51, which had served the community for more than four decades.

By the end of February, the site had been cleared, and crews began surveying and laying out the footprint of the new building. From there, work progressed quickly as footings and foundations were formed, steel reinforcement was installed, and concrete was poured for the apparatus bays, office areas, and first floor.

By the third week of May, the main concrete columns supporting the apparatus bay were also taking shape, marking another major step in the building's construction.

Building Up!

June brought some noticeable changes as crews began framing the first-floor walls on the north side of the building. This area will include utility spaces, bunker gear storage, decontamination areas, and apparatus bays for the Battalion Chief.

Work continued upward as crews completed framing on the second floor of the north side of the station.

One of the biggest milestones came on August 19, when a crane lifted two massive steel trusses into place over the main apparatus bay. This was a significant step in defining the space that will eventually house some of the District's emergency response apparatus.

Following the truss installation, large glulam wood beams were added to secure the trusses and help form the roof. Crews then began covering the roof structure with car decking, plywood, and a waterproof membrane.

Taking Shape Inside and Out

By September, additional steel columns and lumber had arrived for construction of the south side of the building, which will include living quarters and office spaces.

Framing progressed quickly, with first-floor walls, second-story floors, decks, and upper-level walls taking shape. With much of the structure now visible, it's becoming easier to picture what the completed station will look like.

Preparing for Winter

As fall weather approaches, construction crews are taking advantage of the remaining good weather to get the building weather-tight before winter arrives.

Current work includes completing the roof and waterproofing, along with site grading, curbing, installation of water catchment chambers, and preparations for paving. These improvements will help manage water and keep the construction site in better condition throughout the wetter winter months.

While there's still plenty of work ahead, the progress since February has been impressive. Each milestone brings the District one step closer to a modern facility designed to better serve firefighters and the Gig Harbor community.

Take a look at the construction progress photos to see just how far Station 51 has come since demolition began!