In Quarters: Bartlett, IL, Fire Station 1 Headquarters

This facility received the Renovations Gold award in the 2024 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here.

The Bartlett Fire Protection District (BFPD) Station 1 Headquarters underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2023, transforming bunkrooms, locker rooms, kitchen, dining spaces, dayroom, boardroom, restrooms and offices into modern, functional spaces.

Striking exterior enhancements, such as removing the dated mansard roof lines, and meticulous detailing, including panels, trim, roofing and a cantilever roof, created a refreshed and contemporary look for the facility.

The interior improvements of the project involved reconfiguring the administration area, adding a conference room and executive spaces, and upgrading systems to ensure a seamless and efficient operational environment.

The station now offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for first responders and the community by integrating the BFPD brand throughout, with custom linens and embroidered armchairs, among other details.

The most challenging aspect of the project was the exterior façade renovation, which aimed to modernize the aesthetic of three generations of buildings into a cohesive vision that seamlessly fits in with the adjacent residential context. The collaboration among the architects, consultants, subcontractors and the project team ensured meticulous planning, which resulted in budget savings that facilitated additional interior improvements. Regularly scheduled meetings focused on reviewing enclosure details, as a means of ensuring precision and excellence in every aspect of the renovation.

Even though Station 1 Headquarters wasn’t occupied during the renovation, the project team took special care to avoid damage to existing equipment. A comprehensive walk-through with all trades and the BFPD team was conducted to tag/ID items, so they wouldn’t be cut, which ensured the continued operational status of the district’s emergency response infrastructure.

The project’s overarching theme was to bring a modern feel to a 50-year-old structure while ensuring fiscal responsibility and meeting the district’s future needs. Special care was taken to ensure the building’s longevity while introducing state-of-the-art design concepts into the existing footprint.

Architect/Firm Name: Bartlett Fire Protection District