This facility received the Renovations Silver Award in the 2021 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here.
The North West Fire District’s Station 3 previously operated out of a dilapidated 1940s-era Department of Public Works building, which lacked adequate space and functionality and significantly impaired members’ ability to safely perform critical duties, train new recruits, and store and maintain equipment. That building included an apparatus bay that didn’t afford enough space for members to safely maneuver around the vehicles; the meeting room also was inadequate as was the absence of critical storage space, bunk rooms, a dayroom and training space. The district decided that it was more cost effective to purchase a new centrally located site that was visible to the community and would improve functionality, enhance recruitment efforts and provide essential firematic support.
After a multiyear feasibility study, which began in 2015, to identify and analyze potential sites for a new fire station, the North West Fire District opted to purchase an existing building in a strip mall that’s located just outside of the center of town. Originally built as a retail store, the building also served as a go-kart track and as a fitness studio; it recently was vacated when the district purchased the property.
The design of the new station reorganized and gut-renovated every inch of the existing footprint and includes an expansive apparatus bay and a second-floor mezzanine level, a radio room, gear lockers, abundant storage space, offices, a meeting and training room, bunk rooms and a dayroom.
Despite a limited budget and a construction schedule that was affected by COVID-19 shutdowns, the new station is a technologically advanced facility that incorporates approximately 13,400 square feet of critical firematic support, office space, meeting and training rooms, and leisure areas to attract and retain top-quality firefighters, become a beacon for the local community and provide an inspiring facility for its members.
Architect/Firm Name: CSArch
