This facility received the Career 2 Notable award in the 2025 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here. 

The new Central Fire Station represents a thoughtful blend of functionality, community service and architectural clarity. It’s purpose-built to support both the operational needs of the department and the broader goals of the city to strengthen relationships between firefighters, administrative staff and the public. Every design decision reflects a focus on transparency, economy and dignity in service, resulting in a facility that works as hard as the people who are inside of it.

At the heart of the station is the open-concept dayroom/kitchen/patio, which is a fluid, interconnected space that’s designed to foster camaraderie, visibility and a sense of home. These communal zones are framed with durable, economical materials that are applied in artful, intentional ways, to reinforce the station’s role as both workplace and refuge. The design of the facility emphasizes natural light and sightlines throughout, as a means to promote wellness and safety. The Station Design Awards judges agreed.

Programmatically, the station was designed with clarity and flexibility in mind. A welcoming public lobby that has a staffed reception area provides access to a multiuse training room that doubles as a FEMA-rated storm shelter. This room serves not only the department but also the wider community during severe weather events, which underscores the station’s role as a place of safety and service.

A key feature of the layout of the facility is the strategic placement of administrative offices adjacent to, but physically separated from, the living quarters and operational spaces of the firefighters. This separation supports the privacy and daily rhythm of the crews while fostering communication and cohesion with leadership and support staff.

The operational wing includes a pull-through, three-bay apparatus hall that’s designed for rapid deployment and efficient circulation. Within the bay, a dedicated workout equipment area allows firefighters to train close to their gear and vehicles. Overhead, a mezzanine provides flexible space for rope training, rappelling exercises and additional storage as needed.

The design of the station includes thoughtful accommodations for daily life and shift-based living. Jack-and-Jill-style bathrooms offer privacy while maximizing space efficiency. The Station Design Awards judges complimented the design team on this choice.

Sleeping quarters reflect the same practical and respectful design approach that’s seen throughout the rest of the station.

The station is a modern civic facility that reflects the values of its community: transparency, resilience and trust. Through simple materials, smart spatial planning, and a commitment to both form and function, Central Fire Station supports the needs of its firefighters while welcoming the public and remaining feasible for the city to maintain.

Architect: WBA Architecture