Mount Lemmon Fire Station Remodel and Expansion

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Perched at roughly 7,900 feet above sea level in Southern Arizona’s alpine terrain, the existing pre-engineered metal building station required expansion to accommodate the growth of the local mountain community population. The aging facility lacked basic exhaust systems, modern infrastructure, and adequate living accommodations. Firefighters shared a bunk room and shower and were exposed to engine fumes and rodent infestations. The station’s remote location and unclear jurisdiction between county and federal agencies added complexity to permitting and logistics.

The Mount Lemmon Fire District (MLFD) needed a solution that utilized the existing structure while expanding the building program to improve health and safety, and supported the unique demands of rural emergency response.

Shive-Hattery partnered with the Mount Lemmon Fire District to transform the station into a safe, functional, and future-ready facility. The design team navigated steep terrain, frost-depth foundation requirements, and alpine climate conditions to deliver a resilient solution. Key upgrades included:

• Air-lock separation between contaminated and clean zones
• Advanced mechanical systems for 24/7 clean air and fail-safe ventilation
• Private bunks and restrooms to support a co-gender crew
• Murphy bed-equipped chief’s office for flexible staffing
• Efficient floor planning
• Strategic construction phasing to meet budget constraints and respect an endangered species mating season (no exterior loud construction noise from spring to fall)

The remodeled station now functions as a safe, high-performing home base for firefighters serving the entire mountain. It supports emergency response for hikers, wildlife incidents, and fire calls, while offering a healthier, more dignified living environment.

The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with a strong turnout at the public open house and visible pride in the investment.