In Quarters: Andover, KS, Fire-Rescue Station 2

This facility received the Combination Bronze award in the 2025 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here. 

The existing fire station for the city of Andover was up against the pressure of serving a rapidly growing population, facing limitations supporting modern apparatus, inadequate space for operations and sharing headquarters with a county EMS crew that was in need of significant maintenance. The design team partnered with the city and Andover Fire-Rescue to launch a comprehensive study to assess the station’s limitations, explore new site options, and define the operational and spatial needs for both current and future facilities.

The result? A plan that not only addressed today’s challenges but laid the groundwork for tomorrow’s growth. The outcome was twofold: a new headquarters and a revitalized station. The new headquarters, Station 2, was placed strategically to serve Andover’s southernmost residents, where response times were most strained.

Overall goals of the design of Station 2 were for the station to be efficient for members to effectively serve their community, to address mental and behavioral health of the staff and to engage with the community. Corridor access to the front and rear of the apparatus bays streamlines movement from within the living quarters to minimize turnout times. A decontamination zone was located between the apparatus bay and living quarters to help to reinforce the decon process of PPE and personnel. The Station Design Awards judges considered the layout particularly well-appointed.

A storm shelter for the building occupants was incorporated into the PPE locker room because of the durable construction and open floor area.

Daylighting was implemented by utilizing windows to allow sunlight to flood the station and regulate the circadian rhythm of the staff. Red alert lighting minimizes stress that can be induced from abruptly waking up and retains night vision for night shifts.

A direct-connect vehicle exhaust system that the design team incorporated into the apparatus bay captures emissions from the emergency vehicles.

A multipurpose room flanks the front of the building; members of the community are encouraged to use this space for their meetings and training.

Program space for training drills was desired, because members often traveled to a neighboring city on their day off to receive training. A mezzanine for training drills was incorporated into the apparatus bay, utilizing mutually beneficial construction materials for durability and strength.

Future growth also was a consideration. The bunkrooms were oriented in such a way that an addition can be provided. If additional bays are added, the corridor in the center of the apparatus support spaces would act as a passthrough. A park and splash pad that are adjacent to the station are in the planning stages, and the Station Design Awards judges loved the opportunity that these will provide to showcase the department’s gratitude for the community’s support.

Architect: TESSERE