In Quarters: St. Francis, MN, City Hall and Fire Station

This facility received the Co-Located Notable award in the 2025 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here. 

In response to rapid population growth and mounting service demands, the city of St. Francis launched the design and construction of a co-located City Hall and fire station. The goal was to replace outdated, inefficient facilities with a resilient, forward-looking civic center that could accommodate present and future operational needs and elevate the city’s downtown identity.

Through a collaborative feasibility study and space planning process, the design team worked closely with fire department leadership to craft a facility that supports quick response, effective training, and the health and safety of responders.

To reduce turnout time, the floor plan is arranged for efficient access from multiple zones, whether paid-on-call members are arriving from home or full-time personnel are on site. Bunkrooms, the dayroom, training spaces and offices all connect to the apparatus bays via a central stair or fire pole. Incoming volunteers can access the radio room and gear area immediately on arrival.

Apparatus circulation was configured to avoid visitor traffic and align with the department’s preferred response routes, despite county roadway limitations.

The building separates Hot and Cold Zones. On return from a call, responders pass directly into steam showers and gear extraction areas for decontamination before transitioning into locker rooms and administrative areas. These zones are separated mechanically with dedicated HVAC systems.

Training is embedded into the station’s design. The hose tower features bar grate platforms and a standpipe system. Roof access provides opportunities for vertical rescue training. An unfinished second-floor space, which is ventilated by a rapid exhaust makeup air unit, supports smoke-out and search drills. A large training room accommodates local and regional departments for lecture-based instruction, continuing education and certification programs.

Shared services and systems—e.g., a centrally located fitness room that promotes physical wellness and daily readiness and encourages interdepartmental collaboration—help to reduce long-term operational costs and utility demands.

The precast building envelope offers a highly durable, low-maintenance solution that’s aligned with sustainability goals. Although similar public safety facilities can average $500 per sq. ft., this building was delivered at $342 per sq. ft. thanks to efficient geometry, cost-effective detailing and material strategy. The Station Design Awards judges applauded the uncommon collation, to deliver the correct hierarchy in massing and elevations in terms of the City Hall and the firehouse, as well as the cost savings.

The facility includes approximately 3,500 sq. ft. of unfinished space on the second level. This strategic decision allows the city to expand within the current footprint to meet evolving needs without incurring significant new construction costs later. The building acts as a civic anchor in downtown St. Francis. A public plaza reflects the city’s “St. Francis Forward” vision and design guidelines of the area.

With walkable connections and urban design elements, the project strengthens civic pride, encourages community engagement and establishes a high-quality benchmark for future development.

The facility demonstrates how smart planning, integrated training and wellness, and community-minded design can converge in a cost-effective, sustainable and future-ready municipal facility.

Architect: Brunton Architects