This facility received the Renovations Notable award in the 2024 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here.
The renovation of Fire Station 62 infuses life into a worn-down facility, both inside and out, despite budget constraints that required that the work be contained within the existing building footprint and without work in the apparatus bay.
On the site, drive-through bay access is provided through additional pavement, which also allows apparatus a separate drive-way from public vehicles.
The interior living areas of the facility were removed and built back for an efficient layout that provides privacy, increased staff size capacity, and renewed compliance with building, accessibility and energy codes. Utilization of pocket doors in the individual sleeping rooms ensures private, uninterrupted sleep without taking up the space that’s required for a swing door. Gender-neutral, individual shower/ restrooms, a walk-in pantry, a watch office and a covered outdoor patio are additional space amenities that weren’t included in the existing facility’s design.
In addition to lighting and signage, color and vibrant materials are used on both the exterior and interior to enhance the experience of the limited scope of work and brighter, newer station. Cool blue tones are incorporated throughout the interior to promote a calming effect, counter to the traditional red fire department colors that often are employed in firehouses.
Dormitories are located nearest to the apparatus bays to streamline emergency response times. An open-concept kitchen/ dining/dayroom area helps the small facility feel larger via continuous flooring, shared natural light and raised ceilings compared with the original design.
Architect: Martinez Architecture