In Quarters: New Bedford, MA, South Public Safety Center

This facility received the Shared Facilities Notable Award in the 2021 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here. 

This facility is the first new police and fire station for the city in more than 80 years. The initial task was to study five different sites within the city limits to determine best fit, fastest response time and most beneficial redevelopment possibilities. With this facility, the mayor is focusing on using design as an urban improvement project. The goal is to ensure that this new structure provides the neighborhood with a strong civic presence, eyes on the street and efficient firefighter response times to each incident.

The new building includes a main public entrance that has a police station on one side and a fire station on the other. Within this public area is a community meeting room/training room. The police station houses offices, an evidence area, a break room and other essentials of any public safety facility. Four drive-through apparatus bays are the anchor for the fire station; one of the bays is dedicated to EMS vehicles. The upper level houses firefighter living quarters, including offices, a kitchen, a dayroom, sleeping areas and a fitness center for all occupants.

In total, this building will become a new beacon for the city of New Bedford and breathe new life into areas that are ripe for improvement.

Architect/Firm Name:  The Galante Architecture Studio