FGM Architects, Engine House 2, Fairview Caseyville Township Fire Protection District
Spotlight on Southwestern Illinois: Architecture and Engineering
FGM Architects, Engine House 2, Fairview Caseyville Township Fire Protection District
By KATE GENO
The Fairview Caseyville Township Fire Protection District needed a new, modern facility to house its volunteer fire department. The district engaged FGM Architects to design a 14,600-square-foot, one-story replacement facility. Engine House 2 is now open at its new location on Ashland Avenue in Fairview Heights.
Engine House 2 offers an office suite for the administration including the fire chief, assistant fire chief, planner and administrative assistant. Additional areas include a fitness room, kitchen, dining/dayroom, radio/communications office, gear locker room and workroom. A large storage space has room to add sleeping bunks, if it becomes necessary in the future. A hardened training/meeting room can accommodate up to 50 people and is built with concrete block and a concrete roof in order to withstand a severe weather event. A training tower enables the firefighters to work on ladders, hose line advancement and firefighter rescue drills.
The circulation of the building is ultimately designed for easy access to the apparatus bays. There are four drive-through bays that accommodate the department’s fire trucks and vehicles. The drive-through design eliminates the need for trucks to reverse out of the station. The size of the bays also allow for in-house vehicle service.
“The station has a modern design and distinctive signage to enhance its noticeability and street presence,” says Project Manager Bryan Mason. The exterior of the station features the client’s choice of gray and black masonry with metal trim and accents. The interior design features durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
“It was important to the client to in-corporate sustainable design features into the engine house, which is becoming the norm
for all new design projects,” says Mason.
Energy efficient materials include low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures, renewable materials for interior finishes, and photocells to monitor light levels. A tubular daylighting system was installed in the roof, which consists of a reflective tube that draws natural light into the space.
Holland Construction Services built the $3.26 million facility, which was completed in November 2013. FGM Architects specializes in fire service facilities and designed Engine House 2 to serve the community.