In Quarters: Waltham, MA, Moody Street Fire Station

This facility received a Renovations Gold in the 2021 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here. 

Having been in continuous use since its construction in 1890, the historic Moody Street Fire Station in Waltham, MA, is an excellent example of Queen Anne/Romanesque Revival styling. Hence, the primary design challenge was to renovate the existing structure carefully to maintain its National Register of Historic Places while incorporating an addition that meets the modern requirements of a 21st century fire department that’s located in a densely populated urban neighborhood. 

The solution was to first create an addition that takes design elements from the original building while allowing it to remain the focal point of the station. The two-story structure consists of four new apparatus bays and an administrative and operations center that are on the first floor and individual living quarters, a study and support facilities that are on the second floor. 

Once the addition was operational, the historic building could be renovated. The interior was completely modernized while maintaining the existing three apparatus bays and the gear and decontamination rooms that are on the first floor. A remodeled dayroom, kitchen, dining room and gym are located on the second floor. The exterior of the historic building was renovated fully and restored to its original 1890 design. This included the dismantling and reconstruction of a portion of the 70-foot-tall hose tower. 

The renovated station provides the Waltham Fire Department with the amenities and space of a modern station while remaining connected to the department’s past, which began on the site during an age when firefighters responded on horse-drawn apparatus.

Architect/Firm Name: Saccoccio & Associates Architects