Lindsey Davis

Fire Rescue Station #3

West Palm Beach, Florida

Owner: City of West Palm Beach
Contract Amount: $3,000,000
Completed: 2005

The City of West Palm Beach, Florida, needed to replace the existing Fire Rescue Station #3 with a new state-of-the-art fire rescue facility that will serve the Northwood neighborhood for the next 50 years, and also provide a stimulus for commercial redevelopment. To achieve the best site and building solution for fire rescue functional operations, Fire Rescue Station #3 is located on the main thoroughfare in the heart of the Northwood neighborhood.

CH2M HILL architects successfully created a Fire Rescue and Community Facility that serves as a major architectural focal point and catalyst for urban renewal and commercial revitalization of the Northwood community. The block-long new urban station includes a community building, which is also used for fire training. The buildings are physically connected with an aesthetically landscaped wall and fountain and overhead trellis, forming a formal corner urban plaza. Fronting on the plaza, the prominent entry tower of the station and entry façade of the community building are the main focal point of the complex. Directly to the north of the station is a small park and planned bus stop, completing the block-long façade.

To provide an architecturally prominent facility that functionally serves the station and Northwood community needs, CH2M HILL incorporated aesthetic and functional design features including:

A triage room for walk-in emergencies
Police and City offices adjacent the main entrance
EMS and Captain’s offices that include connecting bunk and toilet/shower rooms
Living quarters, including an efficient kitchen-dining area, day room, fitness center, work station alcove, eight individual bunk rooms, restrooms /showers, and general storage
Three apparatus bays support areas include decontamination/laundry, bunker gear, medical storage, radio equipment, and emergency generator
Design incorporates quality low maintenance materials, energy efficient building systems, and sustainable design features
Buildings were designed using hurricane resistive construction to remain operational up to a 145-mph hurricane
Exterior design of the complex exemplifies local south Florida Mediterranean architecture