DBR worked alongside BRW Architects to provide MEP engineering, technology, and building commissioning services for a new two-story 12,055-square-foot fire station in west El Paso.
The facility features a training room equipped with AV/IT essentials for training city staff, airlocks separating the apparatus bay from office and living areas, a fitness center, a commercial-grade kitchen and dining area, a large break room, dormitories, bathrooms, officer’s quarters, decontamination and utility rooms, a bunker room, and a large apparatus bay.
In the apparatus bay a high-volume, low-speed fan was provided to circulate air along with two evaporative condensers (swamp coolers) to temper the air during hot weather. Infrared gas heaters were provided to keep the crews comfortable during cold weather. General ventilation and an adjustable engine exhaust system was provided for the apparatus bay along with ventilation systems in the decontamination, utility, and bunker rooms. The HVAC systems in the office and living areas include DX split systems with electric heat. Separate temperature control zones provided comfort in the crew’s living areas and dormitories.
The new building has an 800-amp, 120/208-volt electrical service. A 250-KW natural gas generator was specified to provide backup power for the entire facility. LED lighting was used throughout the building with energy-conserving control systems.
The plumbing systems in the new fire station included natural gas piping, a compressed air system, and provisions for appliances and equipment including cascade machines, scrubbers, decontamination equipment, and commercial kitchen appliances.
DBR provided low voltage technology consulting for Fire Station No. 36, including the infrastructure for data network cabling, wireless access points, access control with card readers, security cameras, and more. Fire stations have complex communication systems, so our design accounted for the decoders that enable the station to receive specific alerts, ensure the traffic system controllers facilitate the safe exit of fire engines from the station, and establish localized alerts within the station.
The City of El Paso was pleased with the outcome of Fire Station No. 36 which allows first responders to serve a growing area on the west side of the city. The success of this project prompted El Paso to select our team to design of the new Fire Station No. 38 on the city’s far east side.
Project Team
Owner: City of El Paso
Architect: BRW Architects
General Contractor: HB Construction
Civil Consultant: Quantum Consultants
Structural Consultant: Gessner Engineering
