California Construction News staff writer
The Marin County Board of Supervisors has approved the first phase of a progressive design-build contract for a new fire department headquarters and fire station, moving forward with what officials describe as the county’s largest construction investment.
The board on July 7 awarded a $3.09 million Phase 1 contract to McCarthy Building Companies Inc. and COAR Design Group for schematic design and development work. The agreement includes a 10% contingency of $309,377 for early-stage project refinements.
The full project is expected to cost about $71 million for design and construction. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2027 and is expected to take about 18 months.
The approval follows the board’s June 2025 decision to use the county’s first progressive design-build process for the project. Under the approach, the county selects a qualified design and construction team early in the process and works collaboratively to establish project scope, schedule and cost before final pricing is set.
The new headquarters will be built at the San Geronimo Commons site, which has been designated as the future home of the Marin County Fire Department’s main facilities. The campus will combine a fire station, training center and support facilities in one location.
Officials said the centrally located site will improve access for emergency response throughout the San Geronimo Valley and provide updated facilities to replace the current headquarters in Woodacre. Plans call for modern safety systems, expanded fleet and equipment space, and updated living quarters for firefighters.
Community feedback has helped shape the project through public meetings, virtual sessions and stakeholder outreach. Additional outreach will continue, including a Coffee at the Commons event at 9 a.m. July 25 at the San Geronimo Commons, where residents can meet the project design team.
“We’re proud to take this important step to strengthen our emergency response capabilities and better serve the communities who rely on us,” Marin County Fire Chief Jason Weber said. “We appreciate the community’s continued partnership and look forward to working closely together as the project moves forward.”
Phase 1 is expected to begin after the Notice to Proceed is issued this month and take about five to six months to complete. The Board of Supervisors is expected to consider Phase 2 authorization in early 2027, covering final design, construction documents, permitting and project closeout.
