Northbridge, MA, Opens its First Fire Headquarters
The Fire Department of Northbridge, Massachusetts, moved into its first formal fire headquarters on March 24, 2024, after decades of operating in available garages and dilapidated mill buildings. The Galante Architecture Studio’s design of the 29,800-square-foot facility dramatically improves the department’s standards for first-response capacity, decontamination, and firefighter safety beyond the unhealthy confines of the former buildings gifted to the town from mill companies long ago.
The newly constructed station sits on a large site, selected for its central location in the town of Northbridge. Five double-deep apparatus bays station up to ten fire and EMS vehicles, and a rear outbuilding reserves up to five ancillary vehicles, for some of the region’s most comprehensive fire coverage. Advanced decontamination systems protect staff from toxins brought in by on-duty firefighters after responding to a call. By separating and integrating Hot, Warm (Transition), and Cold Zones, the decon process mitigates carcinogens within the station. A four-story corner tower provides firefighters a space for training, as well as storage for thousands of feet of firehose.
Insulated metal panels, terracotta rainscreens, zinc panel accents, and brick walls conserve building energy and reduce maintenance costs while alluding to Northbridge’s mill-town heritage. While the building is designed as a modern fire station, it proudly displays emblems of the Northbridge Fire Department’s long history. An atrium lobby with a pyramidal skylight displays the department’s first wooden fire hose cart, hanging from timber salvaged from the first blaze Fire Chief David White fought as fire chief in 2017. A nearby display case exhibits trophies, memorials, and other firefighting memorabilia.
“Our Fire Department Design Committee put endless hours into helping the designer understand the wants and needs of a modern-day fire department,” said Chief White at the dedication. “We were able to build a facility that we can all be proud to call home.”
Founded in 1997, The Galante Architecture Studio specializes in contemporary architecture, including fire and police stations and regional emergency communication centers. To date the 30-person firm has completed many municipal, institutional, commercial, and residential projects. Through active listening, focused responses, and unequivocal attention to detail, TGAS produces needs-based design results, while balancing design complexities with site pragmatics, program, and budget.
