ADAMS -- Mayor Leroy Swanson described it perfectly.

"It's kind of like a new baby," Swanson said.

That is, indeed, how the new emergency services building is regarded in Adams.

It's a source of pride and curiosity.

And, it's almost ready for occupancy.

"I would say it is probably about 90 percent completed," said the mayor. "We're looking at a Dec. 1 completion date. There are some little things that need to be done, but they're doing a great job and it will be completed on schedule."

The new emergency services building at the east edge of Adams along Highway 56 is a joint ventures project. Not only is the city of Adams a part of the project, but so are the Adams Volunteer Fire Department and Adams Area Ambulance Service, plus Adams Township.

For the latter, it will be the first meeting hall in the 146-year history of Adams Township's existence.

For the firefighters and ambulance technicians, it will relieve serious garaging problems for the emergency services vehicles used by each entity, provide training and office space for them and bring all under one roof.

"We're proud; really proud. This is something we've needed for a long, long time," Swanson said.

Last Friday afternoon, city clerk Jim Kiefer conducted a tour of the new facility.

"It was exactly two years ago today -- Nov. 13, 2000 -- when we had that first meeting to get everything started," Kiefer said.

It would take a referendum -- held Jan. 15, 2002 -- and a rebidding of the project, when original bids came in above architect's estimates before a contract was awarded.

Wagner Construction Company, Inc., of Austin was the low-bidder and project manager Brendan Wagner is among the most enthusiastic about the project.

"I think the way we're going now, we could be ready by Thanksgiving Day," Wagner said. "All of the sub-contractors are doing a great job. We're all on schedule and there really haven't been any snags. No change orders to the design or anything. It's going to be a great addition to Adams."

Wagner Construction Company, Inc., constructed the new Mitchell County Jail in Osage, Iowa, and another emergency services building at Plainview among its area building credits. It also constructed the new kitchen addition at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Adams.

Gene Brandstrom, architect, designed the building.

The Adams emergency services building is one of nine projects the firm is undertaking this year. As soon as they're done at Adams, the Wagner firm will begin work on the four-building project at the Mower County Fairgrounds in Austin.

For now, the Adams building is getting all of Wagner's construction "TLC."

"The new metal roof over the office and meeting room area should go up this week. We're doing everything we can to deliver Adams a quality building on time," the project manager said.

When it is open, citizens will see a 7,000 square foot garage area for parking 10 or 11 emergency services vehicles plus another 1,900 square feet of office, meeting room, kitchen, bathroom and shower and other space.

Accordion to Kiefer, the list of financial contributors continues to grow. The city of Adams ranks at the top with the $250,000 bond referendum, but there is also $35,000 from the Ambulance Service, $50,000 from Adams Township, and contributions of $12,000 from Marshall Township, $6,000 for Lodi township and $6,000 from Clayton Township.

The city of Taopi contributed $1,500 to the project, while the Adams Booster Club added $2,000.

So impressed with the possibilities of a multi-purpose building were they, the Blomigan estate donated $14,150 to the project.

It all adds up for another reason Adams residents will be thankful on Thanksgiving Day.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com