Echo Fire Seismic Rehabilitation

 
McCormack Construction is partnering with Echo Rural Fire Protection District on a comprehensive seismic rehabilitation of the Echo Fire Station, the only fire station serving the small town of Echo, Oregon. The $1.3 million project is currently in progress at 301 Main Street and represents a critical investment in public safety infrastructure for the City of Echo and Umatilla County. Construction began in June 2025, with completion anticipated in December 2025.
 
The project involves a 5,700-square-foot seismic remodel that preserves the existing steel roof supporting structure while replacing exterior walls with a combination of new CMU and wood-framed walls. McCormack is installing a new steel shear decking system topped with a metal panel roofing system. The scope includes extensive demolition of all building components except the existing concrete, steel structure, and electrical service. Echo Rural Fire District selected McCormack based on the company’s reputation for fire station and seismic rehabilitation projects in the area.
 
Managing this project has required addressing multiple complex challenges. McCormack worked with the owner and design team during pre-construction to adjust the scope to meet budget constraints while maintaining departmental needs. Because the owners were inexperienced with construction administration, McCormack led several pre-construction meetings to explain the entire process and continues to provide guidance through weekly OAC meetings. The team brought in a hazmat specialist to test and monitor all existing materials, ensuring safe handling in accordance with OSHA regulations.
 
As the only fire station on Main Street in Echo, the project faces significant public scrutiny. McCormack has emphasized quality workmanship to demonstrate the company’s capabilities and reassure the community. The team worked directly with the Echo Fire Department to create logistics and site plans allowing staff and apparatus relocation to temporary on-site facilities throughout construction. Meeting the strict October 31st deadline for apparatus storage before winter has been essential, with the construction schedule built specifically around this requirement.
 
The project remains under budget and on schedule, with the owners very satisfied with progress. For McCormack Construction, this project demonstrates expertise in complex seismic rehabilitation while maintaining operational continuity for essential emergency services.