Richmond Central Fire Station No. 1 - Richmond, Texas
Posted: January 18, 2023 | Projects
Located on the edge of the historic district of Richmond, Texas, and in the shadow of the Fort Bend County Court House, the new Central Fire Station complements its surroundings in this Texas community.
The integration of traditional architectural elements nods to the origins of this historic Texas town. Special attention was given in the design to include unique architectural details, accomplished by using flat arches, blended brick colors, and a combination of smooth and rough-cut limestone to articulate areas of significance.
The apparatus bays are placed between the more publicly accessed administrative wing and the working fire fighter wing, providing a separation between these two wings. The historic exterior style melds into the lobby of the administrative wing by means of brick clad walls, richly colored vinyl plank floors, and a custom alcove to house the department’s historic Model-T fire truck.
The 16,965-square-foot central fire station houses the fire chief, assistant fire chief, fire marshal, and fire inspectors within the administrative wing. A glass walled conference room enables visibility and natural daylight to enter the centrally located conference area.
The fire fighter wing, located on the opposite side of the apparatus bays, has a fully appointed fitness room available for use by all city employees, including a private full bath. The fire fighter wing also contains an open concept kitchen/dining/dayroom area. The homelike environment features large windows, space for up to ten recliners, and a central kitchen island providing loads of natural light, elbow room, and counter space.
Private sleeping rooms, bathrooms, and rooms for electrical, mechanical, and utility are all located on the second floor of the fire fighter wing. The apparatus support spaces – including the bunker gear storage, shop, SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus), and fire marshal’s evidence storage – are located adjacent to the four pullthrough apparatus bays.
The new central fire station replaces the existing central station, which was no longer sufficient to meet the growing needs of this Texas community.
Architect
Brown Reynolds Watford Architects
2700 Earl Rudder Freeway, S., #4000, College Station, TX 77845
www.brwarch.com
Structural Engineer
Gessner Engineering
2501 Ashford Drive, #102, College Station, TX 77840
Mechanical & Electrical Engineer
Hirsch & Associates
6161 Savoy Drive, #1135, Houston, TX 77036
Civil Engineer
O’Malley Strand Associates, Inc.
203 S. Jackson Street, Brenham, TX 77833
General Contractor
Bass Construction Company, Inc.
1124 Damon Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471
Location: Richmond, Texas
Date Bid: Oct 2014
Construction Period: Nov 2014 to Feb 2016
Total Square Feet: 16,965
Site: 1 acre.
Number of Buildings: One.
Building Sizes: Garage, 6,036; first floor, 7,198; second floor, 3,731; total, 16,965 square feet.
Building Height: Garage, 29’5”; first floor, 21’5”; second floor, 30’5”; total, 34’.
Basic Construction Type: New/V-B.
Foundation: Cast-in-place, reinforced concrete, slab-on-grade, grade beam.
Exterior Walls: Brick, limestone, cast stone.
Roof: Asphalt shingles.
Floors: Concrete, wood.
Interior Walls: CMU, wood stud drywall.
Click here to view the full cost details for this project in the January/February 2023 issue of DCD