The Round Rock Fire Department has started renovations to a former single family home on Sam Bass Road to convert it to an alternative Fire Station, with initial construction expected to be complete by the end of May.

The property, 2721 Sam Bass Road, was purchased by the City in 2015 for the purpose of building a Fire Station to improve response times in northwest Round Rock. Because the home is so well suited to house a crew of firefighters with modest renovation, the decision was made to convert it now to get ahead of construction of TxDOT’s improvements to the FM 3406 bridge at IH 35. The bridge will be closed to eastbound traffic during an upcoming phase of construction.

When complete, the station will house an engine company, which is comprised of three firefighters.

“This is a great opportunity to use an existing structure that meets the needs of a fire station to support the goals of the Fire Department,” Chief Robert Isbell said. “It’s a huge win-win situation for us.”

No fueling or washing of vehicles or apparatus will occur at the site. A new, concrete driveway will be constructed in coming weeks to replace the existing asphalt driveway. The plan is to build a garage, in the same architectural style of the house, before this winter to house the engine.

The home will also be taken off the existing septic system and wastewater will be connected to a City line.

The project will be paid for mostly using $250,000 in bond fund savings from two recent Fire Department projects. The City expects to utilize the alternative station for the next 10-15 years, Chief Isbell said.