This facility received the Joint Facilities Notable award in the 2024 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here.
Colorado Springs Fire Station #23 and Radio Shop is a multiuse, preengineered metal building that’s located on 4.6 acres. The 17,400-sq.-ft. facility was a cost-effective solution for two city departments that have similar requirements that outgrew their existing spaces.
The old 2,500-sq.-ft. fire station (two apparatus bays in the headquarters building on the same site) had a 56 percent increase in call volume over 13 years. At the same time, the city radio shop outgrew its 3,500-sq.-ft. space by which it provided service to more than 4,500 radio subscriber units.
The city of Colorado Springs recognized the related functionality of the fire department and the radio shop (office spaces, conference rooms and large bays for vehicles) and jumped at the opportunity to deliver a cost-conscious building that would best meet future needs of both of the departments.
The layout of the new facility is divided down the middle by four, full-height apparatus bays. A common space is located between them. Mezzanines are located on the second level. The fire station side of the building houses dormitory rooms; an officer’s suite that has a private office and bathroom; four gender-neutral bathrooms; a public restroom; a dayroom; a dining room; a kitchen; and a fitness area. The station includes the most up-to date health and safety measures, and it is decorated with durable finishes.
The radio shop side of the building has six offices, a conference room, a break room, gender-neutral restrooms, a server room and a large maintenance bay/tech area.
First estimates were $1.73 million more than the stated budget. Value engineering items included reorienting the building on the existing site to reduce earthwork, paving and fencing costs; an alternative window manufacturer; and lower-cost lighting and HVAC packages. The value engineering didn’t take away from the overall aesthetic and functionality of the facility.
Architect: HB&A Architecture and Planning