WHEATON OPENS FIRE STATION NUMBER 1:
A NEW HEADQUARTERS FACILITY

By BETSY DOUD, Williams Associates Architects, Ltd.

According to Chief David Fleege of the Wheaton Fire Department, "What was needed was a new fire station that could meet the department's future needs on a site that would improve response times to the city's South and Southwest sections." Fire Station Number 1, opened in February, combines administrative and training areas, apparatus bays, and living quarters in a 20,000 square foot building recently completed by Williams Associates Architects, Ltd. of Wheaton. The building cost of $1.8 million is below budget and less than other fire facilities of similar size and function.

Set in a residential area just off the busy Roosevelt Road corridor, the red brick building is designed as a low single story, with the exception of the 20' ceiling in the garage/bay area. The station's hose tower was sunk four feet below grade level, in order to further maintain an unobtrusive exterior.

The building's functions are separated into three distinct zones: the first is an administrative zone containing offices for the chief, assistant chief, paramedics and additional staff; a library, a conference room and a dividable classroom for firefighter training and community programs.

The second is an apparatus zone located in the middle of the building containing a four bay garage area with adjoining equipment storage spaces, serviced by an automated exhaust system. Garage doors and parking on both sides of the building facilitate equipment movement.

The third is a private living quarters zone on the building's north end which includes a bunk room with cubicles for up to 12 firefighters, a large living room, locker rooms, a full kitchen and dining area, and a fitness room.

As Chief Fleege states, "This building meets our current requirements, but its interiors can be easily expanded to serve the department's needs well into the 21st century."

May 1994 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 5