Fire Station No. 5
seattle fire station no. 5
Seattle, Washington
CLIENT
City of Seattle
YEAR
2019
SIZE
257,250 sf
CERTIFICATIONS
LEED Silver
awards
2019, Historic Seattle, Preserving Neighborhood Character Award
A mid-century modernist beacon located on Seattle’s waterfront, Fire Station 5 is a distinctive and recognizable fixture along this busy waterway. Originally built in 1963, this fire station was in need of significant upgrades to meet many current seismic, safety, and accessibility codes as well as 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.