Sarasota County Fire Station #13

Sarasota County Fire Station #13 reimagines the county's established fire station design to harmonize with its beachside Siesta Key location.

Using a 10,500-square-foot, two-story plan derived from our design for Fire Stations #12 and #14, this station incorporates coastal-inspired materials—bright quartz sand-colored panels replacing the wood façades of its mainland counterparts, while preserving bricks from the original station as interior accents. The station features two drive-through apparatus bays for fire trucks, EMS vehicles, and beach ATV, with crew quarters, a kitchen, recreation spaces, and a screened patio on the second floor.

Elevated 13 feet above the floodplain and engineered to withstand Category 4 hurricanes, Fire Station #13 prioritizes resilience and sustainability. Its compact footprint and eco-conscious design achieved LEED certification, ensuring long-term performance. The station’s resilient design was recently put to the test during the unprecedented 2024 hurricane season, withstanding a direct hit from Hurricane Milton following the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Debby with no damage, allowing first responders to immediately resume operations serving the barrier island community. By blending durability, functionality, and aesthetic harmony, the station serves as a vital community asset for both emergency response and coastal living.

Awards:
AIA Florida Design Awards 2024 - Merit Award of Excellence Sustainability