With the current Station 4 in a state of disrepair and unsafe as a working firehouse, we developed a state of the art facility that will house crews for an engine, ambulance, and future chase vehicle.
Station 4 achieved a LEED Gold Certification becoming the first building constructed by the City of South Bend to attain LEED certification. Taking into consideration the value of our natural resources and the station’s location, a balance was struck between internal/private use of the facility and site development that is inviting to the extent a walking track and rain garden were designed into the project. The design of the station is meant to compliment the historic nature of its immediate surroundings such as the previous Bendix Corporation. With character and safety in mind, a combination of traditional masonry and insulated metal panels with a modern edge were incorporated into the project.
Sleeping arrangements are designed to address the changing gender demographics of the modern firefighting labor force by providing individual sleeping rooms in lieu of traditional single dormitory-style arrangements. This
focus on “gender-neutral” design at Station 4 includes eight bedrooms with three bunks and individual lockers within each, with Jack and Jill style bathrooms connecting adjoining pairs of bedrooms. The flexibility created with this approach prepares Station 4 to adapt and change as the makeup of staff inevitably changes.
LOCATION: South Bend, IN
TYPE: Public Safety Facility with Public Site Amenities
ROLE: Complete Design Services
CONSTRUCTION COST: $3.2M