Arlington, Va.
designed by FGM Architects

As one of the first African American volunteer fire departments south of the Mason Dixon line, Fire Station 8 has been the heart of its neighborhood and a safe haven for the community for over 100 years. From the outset of design, the community has been a driving factor in ensuring that FGMA not only designed a state-of-the-art facility, but one that pays homage to the department’s storied past. 

The new 20,000 sf, four bay fire station is designed to improve the health and wellness of the firefighters while providing gender equality in a sustainable facility. The station features living and administrative spaces, gender neutral sleeping suites, a fitness training room with access to an outdoor patio, as well as industry leading decontamination areas to control contaminants within the station including cancer causing carcinogens and biohazards like COVID-19 as well as other potential contaminants. 

To address the history and legacy of the station, FGMA led several workshops with community members and County staff to build consensus on the incorporation of features that would honor the original volunteer firefighters, the current firefighters, and the community itself. The design includes a mural, virtue words and a planter wall at the main entrance that can be experienced by the passerby. Inside the station, the main lobby will house historic artifacts and an interactive display showing interviews with the original volunteer firefighters. To reflect the station’s history as a safe haven, the main stair tower on the front facade has been designed to act as a Beacon of Light which will turn red when emergency calls are received.  

In recognition of Arlington County’s commitment to Sustainable Design, Fire Station 8 is designed to meet LEED Silver Certification while striving to be Net Zero ready. To meet these goals, the facility design focuses on energy efficiency, passive strategies, and features such as a rooftop photovoltaic system, vegetated roof, and highly efficient building envelope. The facility also includes 4 electric vehicle charging stations, and the building electrical system has been designed to be easily adapted for future electric fire apparatus that may be on the horizon. The facility is currently under construction with an anticipated Spring 2024 completion.  

Visit the FGM Architects’ website: https://www.fgmarchitects.com/