PLANNING + DEVELOPMENT
ARCHITECTURE
22,500 Square Feet, $9.5 Million
Designated by the Fire Department of New York to be one of the three new firehouses in Mayor Bloomberg’s administration, the under-construction Engine Company 201 will contain Battalion 40 and Ladder Company 114. The previous 100 year old antiquated building was built at a time when firemen were largely volunteers and firefighting apparatus were pulled by horses. As such the existing building had spaces that served triple duty. The kitchen served as a dining room and lounge, while the dorm served as a locker room and gym as well. The new design of the firehouse done with RKTB-ERM Architects keeps these spaces adjacencies in mind with providing enough space for three companies of apparatus, gear, office and living space. Built as a three story structure with fire-poles and stairs providing the primary access, the lounge, dining and kitchen spaces are the most used and so logically located on the ground floor to increase response time. The officers and battalion offices and sleeping rooms are on the second floor while the dormitory, showers and locker rooms are located on the third floor. The building exterior is bright red glazed roman brick trimmed in stainless steel at the windows and doors. In addition to the new firehouse a set of design standards were created as criteria for the design of all new firehouses in New York City.