Greeley Fire Stations: Modern Facilities for Public Safety

Challenge

The City of Greeley, Colorado, faced a growing demand for fire and emergency services due to its increasing population and recent development. To meet this need, the City decided to demolish and redesign its outdated, 60-year-old Fire Station #2 and bring a new facility, Fire Station #6, into the fold. Adding to the complexity, the existing Fire Station #2 building had to remain operational and accessible during the construction as the new Station #2 building was being constructed only feet away on the same site. This required careful planning and coordination across multiple project phases.

Solution

Fire Station #2

As the design team for Fire Station #2, SEH worked closely with the City of Greeley to deliver a modern and efficient facility that replaced the outdated building. The new $4.59 million station now spans 12,800 sq. ft. and accommodates 18 personnel. Designed with safety in mind, the station now has its entrance and exit on Reservoir Road, a less traveled road, rather than facing east with access to busy 23rd Avenue.

As part of the project, the team implemented a strategic phasing plan that ensured Fire Station #2 remained fully operational and accessible throughout construction. The phased approach not only facilitated seamless service but also enabled the station to be equipped with modern amenities to better serve the community. Additionally, the station now features a historic Greeley Fire Department engine from 1916 displayed in the lobby, adding a unique element to the facility.

Incorporating design features that isolate potential contaminants from living and office functions was a priority. For example, the decontamination room and bunker gear storage room were placed far away from the living quarters, with the apparatus bay in between. The team also isolated the HVAC systems that service these areas and provided vestibules at entrances to the living quarters.

These thoughtful design elements ensure that the new Fire Station #2 can operate efficiently while safeguarding the health and safety of its fire personnel, ultimately enhancing their ability to serve and protect the Greeley community.

Fire Station #6

Across town, Fire Station #6 was added to expand fire, medical, and all hazards response for the growing community. SEH designed this new 18,100 sq. ft. facility to comfortably accommodate 33 crew members, including an engine company, a ladder company, a battalion chief, and an ambulance. The station's design also addresses gear contamination by physically isolating it from the living quarters. Additional features of the building include the City of Greeley backup data center and a 900 sq. ft. police substation that can be expanded to 3,000 sq. ft. The substation shares some functions with the fire station, such as restrooms and the training/community room.

Among the features of both stations is a two-story hose-drying tower inside the stations that will allow crews to hoist and dry hoses naturally – without the need to run a heated dryer for the hoses. Near the hose tower in both stations is a fitness room, a manhole for confined space rescue training, and ample space for rope work to reduce the need for off-site training. These facilities now perfectly align with the crew's operational requirements and enhance their capacity to safeguard the community effectively.