In Quarters: Colorado Springs, CO, Fire Station #1

This facility received the Renovation Bronze Award in the 2022 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here. 

The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) initially sought to update and expand its historic 1925 Fire Station #1 by renovating an adjacent 1970s-era office building to produce new living quarters. Early in the design process, the CSFD recognized that to meet the operational goal of serving the central business district for the next century, living quarter improvements weren’t enough. The development of new residential complexes downtown places an increasing demand for fire response in taller buildings.

In response, the station renovation includes a two-story addition that’s situated north of the historic station, with sleeping quarters above two drive-through apparatus bays that are large enough for ladder trucks. Ten private sleeping rooms meet the need for firefighter rest and recovery space and are a significant improvement over the original open bunkroom. The original living quarters were completely reconfigured to more than double the size of the kitchen and to provide expanded dining and lounge areas. Near the new kitchen, a secure second-floor exterior deck houses a grill and patio chairs and serves as an area for ladder training evolutions.

The two original back-in apparatus bays were repurposed. They now provide space for battalion chief and reserve vehicle parking and for bunker gear storage.

Upgrades to address health and safety include dedicated decontamination space, separate clean and dirty laundry facilities, and significantly improved ventilation and exhaust systems.

The addition is similar in massing and scale to the original station and uses a special blend of bricks to match the original brick colors. The joining of the old and new is pronounced by a tower of red metal panels and glass, which also serves as the new public entrance. Original brick details are preserved and exposed inside of the station as a reminder of the historic character of the station.    

Architect/Firm Name: HB&A