Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in the FireRescue1 eBook, “Innovation in action: Reimagining the fire station.” Download your copy here.
By Deputy Chief Jason Hansen, B.S., CFO
Census numbers from 2010 indicated that Marion was one of the fastest-growing communities in Iowa. In response to the growth, the Marion Fire Department initiated a third-party study on station location and deployment in 2015. Three years later, the city began the process of identifying the specific location for a third fire station and committed to making it the department’s administrative headquarters.
| RESOURCE: Discover how fire departments are redefining station design [eBook]
Natural impact
The city purchased a 5-acre lot from a local family, and on Sept. 11, 2019, the department held a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the first step in the physical transformation of the space.
During initial meetings with the selected architectural firm and the department’s internal committee, the concept of biophilia was introduced. Biophilia — the human tendency to connect with nature — is somewhat of a newer concept in building construction, but with the fire service’s collective focus on improved health outcomes for first responders, department leadership recognized how incorporating such elements into the station design could result in long-term benefits for our members.
Ironically, while constructing a facility meant to incorporate nature, one of the region’s most impactful natural events — a derecho — wreaked havoc in eastern Iowa. The powerful windstorm forced a partial reconstruction of the structure and prolonged its completion. The department ultimately moved into the 21,000-square-foot facility in August 2021.
Building blocks
Station 1 is situated on 3.25 acres of the northerly portion of the lot, along Tower Terrace Road, a major arterial roadway. The site is a natural crossing for neighborhood travelers of both the human and wildlife variety. Nestled between residential housing, commercial properties, a city park and a newly built YMCA, many residents pass by and connect the station to the community. Likewise, with open green spaces on either side and an on-site retention pond, there are varieties of wildlife that also visit the area or cruise by on their way to another destination. Staff will venture to the windows or outdoors to catch a glance at whitetail deer, mink, spring goslings or ducklings, and other furry or feathered visitors.
“Watching a big buck stroll through the field usually gets everyone running,” one member noted.
The two-story station is bookended by administrative offices and the apparatus bay on the first floor, with the training room, museum wall, public restrooms and mechanical in between. There is also a space for bunker gear storage and decontamination, including separate laundry and showers, between the apparatus bay and stairwell leading to the second-floor living area. The second floor consists of a physical fitness room, personal laundry, dorm rooms, kitchen and dayrooms, with two separate outdoor patios and an additional seating area for study or family visitors.
In the center of the main level is a storm-rated training room that serves as the city’s emergency operations center during disasters and a place for department training, meetings and internal classes. Additionally, the department hosts other organizations, public educational opportunities and community-wide CPR events here. This room is finished with moss green and grey printed carpet tiles and a kitchenette with a white honeycomb backsplash. A larger black honeycomb tile was also used for flooring all bathrooms. A glass-enclosed conference room in the administrative area further promotes transparency and natural lighting.
Health in focus
The most appreciated design elements from staff are the decontamination area and the natural lighting of the station. As cancer and mental health become more significant risks to firefighter wellness, the team knew it was critical to incorporate a decontamination area into the station between the hot (dirty) and cold (clean) zones. This space, which is situated directly off the apparatus bay, consists of a gear extractor and dryer, standard laundry machines, a shower, and a separate restroom. Returning from calls, staff can readily shed their gear and undergarments to wash away any debris and soot and immediately exit into a hallway and stairwell that leads to the living area for new attire.
“The decontamination separation between the bay and living quarters is an important piece of our health and wellness,” another member stated.
Various staff have commented that the natural lighting and ability to see outside contribute to a better working environment. The facility is lined with large windows throughout the structure, allowing sunlight in while providing a sense of connection to the neighborhood. This was an intentional part of the planning and design team, to assist with firefighters’ circadian rhythms, which are directly affected by phases of light and darkness. Additionally, the dorm rooms have incorporated soft lighting, so when a call for service is received, the lights come on very subtly and increase in brightness as the call continues.
A wood ceiling caps the apparatus bay. The bay has a second-floor mezzanine along the east wall and a three-story training tower with translucent panels. Crews can train inside these open spaces, which also serve as secondary physical fitness when applying firefighter-related evolutions.
Additionally, as part of the overarching health and wellness initiative, the SCBA fill station compressor was situated on the mezzanine level instead of a smaller enclosed room. The decision prevented the need for a carbon monoxide detector specific to the unit and also serves as a preventative measure to hearing loss.
Unique features
The second-floor living area consists of two of the building’s most unique features. The workout facility features floor-to-ceiling windows and offers a view that overlooks the apparatus bay to one side and a city park to the south. This connects the firefighters not only to their job expectations but also to the community while promoting the importance of physical fitness.
The other standout feature of the second floor is the kitchen table. It was hand-crafted by one of Marion’s battalion chiefs using 1¾-inch oak slabs glued, sanded and finished to complete a 16x4½-foot dining space. It is supported by a 7x7-foot timber that runs through a custom-built hourglass metal frame.
| MORE: How to fund your next station (eBook)
An additional second-floor feature the committee recommended was a separate patio area. The original patio sits along the northwest side of the facility, and considering the area’s predominantly northwest winds, the decision was made to add a smaller patio along the south side to serve as the duty crew’s grilling space.
The exterior of the building is also accented with natural features visible from inside and outside. The main area of the building is covered in a shou sugi ban charred wood siding, while the apparatus bay is finished in a tongue and groove pine/cedar, both covered with a protective sealant for longevity. There is also a green roof on the first floor wrapping around the south, west and north sides of the living quarters, which is planted with a variety of perennials that extend along the outside of every dorm room window. The landscaping in front of the building features large, slate-colored lake rocks with a smooth finish and numerous Red Rage Black Gum trees.
A shining example
One of the goals of the Marion Fire Department’s recently adopted Strategic Plan is to enhance firefighter health and wellness by continuing and implementing new wellness initiatives resulting in a physically and mentally prepared workforce — and Station 1 has proven to be an outstanding illustration of these efforts, and beyond.
Since moving into the station in 2021, a peer support team has been established to focus on the mental health and stressors of the team. While the first goal is to support members of the Marion Fire Department, this team has also reached out to other agencies to offer support.
Additionally, many community members and visitors have commented on the positive impression this station makes and appreciate the ability to see the everyday activities of the department.
By connecting people to nature, Station 1 serves as a shining example of the City of Marion’s “Reach Higher!” approach.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jason Hansen, B.S., CFO, is the deputy chief of administration for the Marion (Iowa) Fire Department.
