By Joe Wolfcale
Marin Independent Journal (California)
Copyright 2007 Marin Independent Journal, a MediaNews Group publication
All Rights Reserved
MARIN. Calif. — Marin County firefighters at the Throckmorton Ridge station on Panoramic Highway have new digs and an eco-friendly station, the first new county fire station in 23 years.
Officials are gathering Saturday to dedicate the solar-powered station at 816 Panoramic Highway, which comes complete with a geothermal heat exchange system and “green” construction materials that make it one of a few environmentally friendly fire stations in Northern California.
“I think the design of the building will remind people of an old lodge,” said architect Chris Ford, of C3 Design Alliance, the San Francisco firm that designed the project. “I think it fits right in with the land.”
Total cost of the 5,000-square-foot project, including new construction, demolition of the old building, grading and additional sewer work pushed the pricetag to just under $3 million, paid for out of the county’s general fund.
The building replaces an antiquated station about half the size, built in the 1950s, that didn’t meet accessibility or seismic standards, said Marin County Fire Chief Ken Massucco. It will accommodate more firefighters - five during peak fire season - who will protect Muir Beach, the surrounding watershed and the Throckmorton community outside Mill Valley.
Ford said the station, built almost exactly on the old building’s footprint, still must be certified to meet national “green” standards: the plan calls for seeking a gold rating, the second-highest certification by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a national rating system. Platinum is the highest rating.
“We think the building has some wonderful qualities,” Massucco said. “I know some cities are starting to look at LEED certification for fire stations. We’re going for the gold.”
Ford said about 70 percent of the roof will be occupied by 46 photovoltaic panels and that solar power generated will produce 40 to 45 percent of the yearly energy demand for the building.
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has offered rebates that will allow the solar system to pay for itself in seven years or less, Ford said. The geothermal heat exchange system is designed to heat and cool the building with minimal machinery.
“We talked always about having a light touch on the environment,” Ford said. “This was a very challenging location, so we were trying to minimize the impact on the land. I think it was well worth it. We’re very proud of it.”
Living quarters will be roomy, with an exercise room, kitchen, and a new cantilever wood deck that will be open to the public.
The last new county fire station was built in Point Reyes Station in 1984, although a combined fire/sheriff’s station opened in Marin City in 2000, Massucco said.
In all, there are six county fire stations.
C3 Design and Alliance is working on restrooms at Point Reyes National Seashore and a new fire station in Petaluma.
The company, founded by Ford, won an industry award for its design of a new structure for the Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District headquarters in Watsonville.