Incorporated in 1968, the South Metropolitan Fire District (SMFD) covers more than 52 square miles, including Lake Winnebago, Raymore, and parts of Cass County. With a recent increase in population and expanding development, the area needed a new facility.
Hoefer Welker designed a new fire station that would meet the current and future needs of the department. Strategically located in a residential neighborhood in Lake Winnebago, the new facility is a great asset to the community and allows the SMFD to service the growing area more efficiently and effectively.
Working closely with SMFD, we studied multiple design options. It was ultimately decided that the new facility needed to reflect the area’s residential character but be proudly visible and a beacon within the community. The new 10,648-square-foot station will have three bays with bi-fold doors, a large workout facility, individual sleeping bunks, and a sizable kitchen open to a large dining table and day room for firefighters to decompress. Also included are a covered patio and an ICC-500 shelter.
Sustainable elements were incorporated throughout the facility, such as energy recovery units for the mechanical systems, LED lighting, and a radiant slab for the apparatus bay and ten feet beyond. This new feature will provide significant heating during the cooler months and even melt snow for the large fire trucks—saving both time and money on electricity and labor.
Finally, special consideration was given to the separation of living spaces and healthy live/work zones, keeping contaminants out of living quarters. Active spaces are located near the front of the facility, while bunk rooms and showers are placed near the back.