DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A closed auto dealership on Mason Avenue in Daytona Beach is set to get a new purpose.
Volusia County has approved construction of a new, centralized headquarters for Volusia County Emergency Medical Services, transforming a former automotive dealership into a hub for EMS administration, training and fleet maintenance.
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The Volusia County Council unanimously approved the construction phase during its Aug. 17 meeting, clearing the way for the project at 1720 Mason Ave. in Daytona Beach.
The 4.42-acre property, formerly home to Bourne Auto Sales, is currently vacant. But county leaders plan to renovate and expand the building, bringing several key EMS operations together under one roof.
The project calls for an extensive renovation of the existing building, including a significant expansion of its second floor.
Plans also include new administrative offices, training areas and dedicated space for fleet maintenance.
The building will receive a new roof and exterior improvements, along with upgraded mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire-protection systems. The project also includes a passenger elevator, emergency standby power and enhanced safety and security features.
Work outside the building will include paving, drainage, utility and landscaping improvements.
The goal is to create a centralized facility supporting the crews and staff responsible for emergency medical response throughout Volusia County.
County officials say renovating the former dealership is significantly more cost-effective than building an entirely new EMS headquarters.
Early planning estimates put the cost of constructing a new facility at approximately $23 million.
By repurposing the existing Mason Avenue building, the estimated construction cost has been reduced to approximately $10.67 million.
The county also secured approximately $6.8 million in federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funding, which will cover nearly two-thirds of the estimated construction cost.
With the construction phase now approved, the project can move forward.
Volusia County expects the new EMS headquarters to be fully operational by late 2027.