The Town of Winthrop is advancing a major public safety infrastructure project as bidding gets underway for a new $38.5 million fire station at the site of the old middle school. The project marks a significant investment in the coastal community's emergency response capabilities.

"The Bid Documents for the new Fire Station are out," Town Manager Tony Marino stated in his weekly report to the town council. "This is an exciting next step as we are getting ready to start construction starting in early September."

The timeline for the project is taking shape. A pre-bid walkthrough for interested contractors was held on July 7, 2026, giving potential bidders a firsthand look at the site. Filed sub-bids are due July 29, 2026, with general contractor bids due August 12, 2026. The project has been in development for over a year, with the Firehouse Building Committee working with owner's project manager P3 to oversee construction.

The new fire station represents more than just a building upgrade. It addresses long-standing infrastructure needs for the town's fire department, which has been operating from existing facilities that no longer meet modern operational standards. The old middle school site, located in the heart of Winthrop, provides central access for emergency responders.

Site preparation, including stormwater and retaining-wall work, has continued through 2026 as the project moved through design and into the bidding stage.

The fire station project is part of broader municipal improvements in Winthrop. In his report, Marino also noted that the FY25 town audit has been completed, clearing the way for the next round of borrowing needed to fund both the fire station and ongoing sewer and water main projects throughout the community.

For neighboring communities like Chelsea, the Winthrop project highlights the ongoing investments being made in public safety infrastructure across the region. The new facility will serve Winthrop's approximately 19,000 residents and provide improved emergency response capabilities for years to come.