Fire Station 5 | Bassetti Architects

A mid-century modern beacon along Seattle’s waterfront, Fire Station 5 is a distinctive and recognizable fixture along this busy waterway. Originally built in 1963, the fire station was in need of significant up-grades to meet many current seismic, safety, and accessibility codes as well as provide improvements to crew, administrative, and support facilities. Bassetti provided comprehensive renovation to the building and pier structure, including seismic reinforcement, building systems renovation, and sustainability improvements.

Designated a Seattle Landmark, this fire station allowed minimal alteration to the exterior. An infill addition increased space without significant impact to the exterior aesthetic. A muted color scheme more closely matched to the original exterior palette allows the red fire trucks and bright equipment to take center stage and stand out against the building. With Fire Station 5 occupying a prominent and bustling site along the waterfront, balance is needed in order to give the 24-hour crew space for privacy. The interior spaces have been reorganized to achieve more efficient operations balanced with areas for respite. Operational spaces including office and maintenance areas occupy the first floor for public view. Crew spaces, including bunk rooms and the beanery are strategically located on the second floor, away from public view.

Through a rigorous design review process, which included input from “maintenance shops” and users at regular milestones during each phase, the Construction Administration phase went smoothly and was recently completed in April 2018. This project includes photovoltaic panels on the roof as well as solar heating for water, and is on track to reach LEED Gold certification.