Wyandot County EMS Headquarters
An adaptive reuse project transformed a former multi-use building into a fully operational emergency services headquarters. The project was embraced by the community for its rehabilitation of an existing facility and the quick timeline.
Project
Overview
The Wyandot County Emergency Services department needed a headquarters capable of supporting round-the-clock emergency response, staff readiness and long-term reliability.
The opportunity came in the form of an existing structure with a complicated past and untapped potential.
Originally built as an auto dealership, the facility had served as a fitness center and a church. While the bones were sound, the building was not equipped to function as an EMS headquarters without extensive renovation and expansion.
The County understood the risk. Renovation projects often bring uncertainty, hidden conditions and costly change orders that can disrupt budgets and schedules.
The EMS team wanted a contractor they trusted. They also wanted to avoid a hard bid approach that prioritizes lowest initial cost over long-term performance. As a Sourcewell purchasing cooperative member, Wyandot County EMS contracted with BlueScope Buildings North America and Clouse Construction, a Butler Builder® in New Riegel, Ohio. Clouse brought local knowledge, trusted relationships and a commitment to using regional suppliers.
The scope of work transformed the 12,000-square-foot facility into a purpose built EMS headquarters. Renovations included new interior walls, drains, concrete, doors and fresh paint throughout the building. New metal siding was installed around the entire facility, creating an attractive and unified exterior presence within the community.
The finished layout included multiple overhead doors for emergency vehicles, a large training room, staff offices, main restrooms and expanded storage areas. A mechanical room was constructed to house a backup natural gas generator capable of providing power for the entire building in case of emergencies, ensuring uninterrupted operations when reliability matters most.
A 30-by-80-foot addition expanded the building’s capabilities even further. The addition provided sleeping rooms, a dayroom, private bathrooms with showers, lockers and additional storage, supporting staff wellness and readiness during extended response periods.
From contract award to completion, the project was delivered on a 12-month schedule. Early coordination, disciplined planning and local execution reduced uncertainty and kept the renovation moving forward with confidence.
At the outset, some in the community questioned whether the building was worth saving. Today, that doubt has been replaced with pride.
Since completion, the EMS department has received consistent positive feedback. What was once a questionable structure is now a dependable headquarters built to support those who protect and serve.
