CTA Construction Managers Celebrates Steel Topping Off at New Melrose Fire Engine 2 Station

Construction of the new Engine 2 station is part of the first phase of Melrose’s larger Public Safety Buildings Project.

Melrose, MA (PRUnderground) September 27th, 2026

CTA Construction Managers recently joined the City of Melrose, Melrose Fire Department, project partners, and members of Ironworkers Local 7 to celebrate the steel topping off of the new Melrose Fire Engine 2 Station, marking a major milestone in construction of the new public safety facility.

The ceremony recognized the placement of the final structural steel beam, which was raised into position carrying an American flag and evergreen tree in keeping with the longstanding topping-off tradition.

“Reaching the topping-off milestone is an exciting moment for everyone involved in this project,” said Pat Tompkins, Principal at CTA Construction Managers. “It reflects the hard work, craftsmanship, and collaboration of our project team and trade partners, and brings the City of Melrose another important step closer to a modern facility designed to support its firefighters and the community for decades to come.”

The new approximately 24,000-square-foot Engine 2 station will include three apparatus bays, a maintenance bay, administrative space, fitness facilities, and sleeping quarters.

The project is part of the City of Melrose’s broader, multi-phase investment in its public safety facilities. Engine 2 personnel are temporarily operating from Fire Headquarters while construction proceeds, allowing emergency response services to continue uninterrupted during the project.

 “This project represents an important investment in our firefighters, our public safety infrastructure, and the long-term needs of the Melrose community,” said Melrose Mayor Jen Grigoraitis. “It is wonderful to see the building taking shape, and we are grateful to the entire project team for their continued hard work and collaboration.”

“Seeing the structural steel complete is an important and highly visible milestone for the Engine 2 project,” said Denise Gaffey, Project Manager for the City of Melrose Public Safety Facilities Projects. “A tremendous amount of planning and coordination has gone into reaching this point. We appreciate the partnership among CTA, Vertex, Dore & Whittier, the Fire Department, and all of the trades as we continue moving this important project forward.”

The project continues several longstanding relationships for CTA Construction Managers. CTA has worked with Vertex, the project’s Owner’s Project Manager, for approximately 13 years and five previous projects. CTA also has a 13-year relationship with Dore & Whittier Architects, with Engine 2 representing the firm’s third project together.

This milestone is a great reflection of the collaboration among the city, fire department, design team, and the entire construction team.” said Glen Gollrad, Associate at Dore & Whittier Architects. “It’s exciting to see the structure take shape and the vision for a modern fire station move another step closer to reality.”

“Successful public safety projects depend on strong coordination and teamwork from the earliest planning stages through construction,” said Bryan Fors, Project Executive at Vertex. “The topping off of Engine 2 is an important milestone, and we’re proud to continue working alongside the City of Melrose, CTA Construction Managers, and Dore & Whittier as the project advances.”

Construction of the new Engine 2 station is part of the first phase of Melrose’s larger Public Safety Buildings Project, which also includes a new police station and subsequent improvements to the City’s remaining fire stations.

With the structural steel now complete, CTA Construction Managers and the project team will continue advancing the building enclosure, mechanical and electrical systems, interior construction, and subsequent phases of work.