McChord Fire House

Located in Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA

The McChord Field Fire and Rescue Station, a critical facility for Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), required extensive repairs. Originally constructed in 1951, the 24,844-square-foot facility had undergone seven expansions but suffered from inadequate space utilization, water intrusion, mold, and structural deficiencies. The station had to remain operational 24/7 during the project, adding complexity to the renovation. The building’s outdated floor plan, seismic vulnerabilities, and hazardous materials further complicated the scope.

Helix, a division of Shive-Hattery, provided architecture and interior design services, working with the project team to address these challenges through a comprehensive redesign. A phased construction approach was introduced, including the creation of temporary swing spaces to maintain uninterrupted firehouse operations. The design incorporated a new roof system, seismic upgrades, energy-efficient features targeting LEED Silver certification, and improved space planning to accommodate modern mission requirements. Additionally, the exterior of the building was reclad, enhancing both durability and aesthetics while complying with historic district standards.

The project delivered a fully functional, safe, and energy-efficient fire station that met JBLM’s operational needs without any downtime for emergency services. The new design improved the facility’s resilience against future environmental and seismic risks, increased operational efficiency, and enhanced the quality of life for the firefighters. The result was a modernized firehouse ready to support current and future missions while preserving its historical integrity.

Awards

2024 SAME Projects of Excellence, Complexity Award – Small Business Society of American Military Engineers (SAME)

2024 SAME Projects of Excellence, People’s Choice Award – Small Business Society of American Military Engineers (SAME)