Project Background

Funding for the new Gunston Fire Station was approved in the 2018 Public Safety Bond Referendum. The existing Gunston Fire Station was built in the 1970’s and it has exceeded its useful life. The new station’s increased capacity will meet the increased service demand for emergency medical and fire suppression needs of the area which is projected to experience population growth. In addition to the various public services provided by fire stations in Fairfax County, the Gunston Fire Station is tasked with marine rescue for the Pohick Bay area.

Project Description

The existing 7,742 square-foot, 1-story, 2-bay station will be replaced with an approximately 17,500 square-foot, 2-story, 4-bay facility constructed to the west of the existing facility. The new fire station will meet the programmatic needs of the current and future fire station operations including space for additional staff members and individual bunk rooms. The project has a goal to achieve a minimum LEED Gold certification, 50% energy reduction over current ASHRAE standards, Net Zero energy design, and will utilize all electrical systems and equipment. The project includes Photovoltaic (PV) panels and Geothermal heating and cooling systems to achieve Net Zero Energy design.

Project Location

The project is located in Mason Neck near Pohick Bay at 10417 Gunston Road, Lorton, Virginia in the Mount Vernon District. The site is bounded by Gunston Road to the south, Pohick Bay to the north, residential single-family homes to the east, and Pohick Bay Golf Course to the west.

Project Phase

The project is currently completing the design phase.

Timeline

• Construction of the new septic drain field: June 2024 - August 2024
• Construction of the new station: Spring 2024 - Summer 2026

What to Expect

• The existing Gunston Fire Station will remain operational during the construction of the new facility.
• With completion of the new facility, staff will shift operations to the new building.
• The existing fire station will be demolished and site stabilized.
• Trail:
  • During construction of the septic field, the existing trail through the site will remain operational. Please be aware construction activities to remove the trees will at times be noisy.
  • During the construction of the new facility, the existing trail through the site will be closed. Access to the trail beyond the site to be along Camp Road.
  • The final design reroutes the trail along the western edge of the property.

Project Cost and Funding Source

Funding was approved in the 2018 Public Safety Bond Referendum.

Presentation to the Community

To date, Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) has provided the following presentations to the community:

• November 17, 2021
• December 15, 2021

Contact

For questions about the project, please contact project manager Mary Valadez or call 703-324-4540, TTY 711.