This facility was a Career 1 notable selection in Firehouse's 2018 Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here.
Albany’s Fire Station 11 was 66 years old, and didn’t meet current building code, ADA accessibility requirements or energy code, and lacked the space and flow to meet operational needs. Extensive water infiltration problems and the threat of building collapse during a major earthquake meant something needed to be done to improve the headquarters station.
The resulting facility provides a new home to Albany firefighters, with eight drive-through apparatus bays, including one for the water rescue team; living quarters; and fire department administration offices previously housed at City Hall. The station’s large community room is designed to flexibly accommodate several different uses, such as safety seminars, training and meetings, and it can serve as an emergency operations center as needed.
A central project goal was to create an efficient and healthy work environment for the growing and diverse staff stationed in it. The design team focused on both operational requirements and providing a high degree of livability. In addition to a spacious kitchen and common area, there’s a second-floor deck for barbeques and open-air relaxation, with a planter wall providing privacy and greenery. There’s also a landscaped outdoor plaza with seat walls underneath trees.
Sustainable elements include a photovoltaic solar array, strategic natural daylighting, and an on-site storm water retention system. Lumber reclaimed from a prior structure on the site is used throughout the station, including in a large dining room table crafted by Pacific Northwest furniture makers.
The new building takes every opportunity to respect and honor the department’s history. The department’s original bronze bell, dating from 1877, stands by the main entrance. A renovated 1927 American LaFrance fire truck, which served Albany for much of the last century, is on display, while the original pole was preserved and still in use.
Architect/Firm Name: Mackenzie.
