Construction of a new fire station in the Canyon Creek neighborhood should begin this spring, Project Engineer Brad Bernhard reported to City Council at a Jan. 7 meeting.

Increased development and population at UT Dallas and the surrounding area are driving the need for more fire department services, Bernhard said. The city acquired a law office and a former donut shop in the retail center at Lookout Drive and Custer Parkway for the project.

BRW Architects designed the 13,200-square-foot station, which will sit at the northwest corner of the intersection and replace the much smaller Fire Station No. 3 across the street. Included in the design plans are three apparatus bays, or garages, for trucks and other equipment; nine sleep rooms for personnel; and two officer suites.

A public art piece will also be installed at the front of the property. A selection committee made up of representatives from the fire station, the city's cultural arts commission, nearby residents, the architect and Richardson artists chose a design inspired by the stream of a fire hose, said Shanna Sims-Bradish, assistant city manager and cultural arts liaison.

CORE Construction has been selected as the construction manager at-risk, Bernhard said, and should break ground on the 12-month project in March. A contract for demolition of the current station will be awarded Feb. 14.