This facility received the Career 1 Silver award in the 2024 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here.
As the flagship for the Overland Park Fire Department, the design of the new 16,300-sq.-ft. Station 41 exemplifies the department’s commitment to community safety, the health and well-being of its first responders, and the application of renewable energy in public buildings. Replacing an obsolete station, the new facility was constructed with a temporary station on site to ensure uninterrupted emergency operations. The state-of-the-art, three-company fire station, which also houses the county’s ambulance service, sets a responder-centric health and safety standard for the city and surrounding community.
The design manages exposure to harmful substances through careful organization, prioritizing occupational health with strict contamination-control measures. High-hazard zones, including the four-bay, drive-through apparatus bay, decontamination area, and support spaces, are designed to contain and manage the highest risks. Moderate-hazard transition zones serve as buffers, to limit transmission of and exposure to harmful carcinogens. Low-hazard zones, which contain the station’s living spaces, provide a safe and comfortable environment for firefighters.
All living spaces in the firehouse are designed to promote mental health and well-being. The station features a two-story fitness facility that opens to the rear apron for indoor/outdoor conditioning programs. Communal dining and gathering spaces encourage fellowship and socialization, while privacy, reflection and rest are emphasized in the inclusive restrooms and individual sleeping quarters that have separate, direct-access shift lockers.
A first for the department, Station 41’s future-focused design features a rooftop solar array that will generate 75 percent of the station’s electricity. In addition, it demonstrates the city’s commitment to renewable energy production.
This modern facility not only enhances emergency response capabilities but also exemplifies a holistic approach to the health and well-being of its occupants, which make it a model for future fire stations. Station 41 stands as a model of innovation and dedication, setting new standards for responder safety, community collaboration and sustainability.
Architect/Firm Name: sfs architecture
