Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University STEM Education Center and Planetarium

Fire Central is home to Station No. 1 and the TFD’s administrative and fire prevention support personnel. The 70,000-square-foot, two-story structure includes firefighter living accommodations, six apparatus bays, fire department offices, Tucson’s emergency operations center and a public museum, all constructed over a below grade, two-level, secure parking garage.

We took great care to fit the big, municipal building into the style and scale of the surrounding historic neighborhood. Meetings were held with neighborhood representatives at the onset of design to help guide the project to a completion that would enhance the area while providing a modern facility for the fire department. We maintained close contact with neighbors throughout the project, adjusting building processes to minimize the day-to-day impacts on their lives. We also addressed their concerns about protecting a nearby historic chapel that was extremely fragile. The team made minor repairs to the structure prior to beginning construction on Fire Central and closely monitored seismic activity from construction equipment to prevent damage to the structure.

Not only did the completed Fire Central provide the TFD with a state-of-the-art facility, the process of building it also helped enhance the community and strengthen the relationship between the neighborhood and the city.