Raleigh NC Fire Station No. 6

Station 6 is Raleigh’s oldest, active fire station. Built in 1949, it is nestled in the heart of this traditionally southern city’s most prominent historic districts. It’s relatively small 5,400 sf size severely limits modern apparatus and personnel accommodations.

While the neighborhood has little affinity for the “industrial aesthetics” of the old structure, numerous community design charrettes have proven that they take great pride and even ownership in the presence of the fire department in their community. The neighbors wanted a new station that reflects the historic nature of the community, while the RFD wants to preserve some of the elements found in this nearly 70 year-old station. Before the City razed the old building, numerous items were salvaged to reuse in the new station. This included some original brick and hardwood floors, the fire pole, and even some original, decorative door hardware.

The small site created many challenges, including 15 feet of grade change, very old specimen hardwood trees that will be preserved, and a shared property line with a prominent, historic residence. Designing a station nearly three times larger than its’ predecessor, required a subtle façade not meant over-power the adjacent neighborhood structures.

The building forms, materials, masonry details and other characteristics were selected to compliment the historic nature of the neighborhood. Once completed, Station 6 will add a new tiller ladder company to the engine company already housed. Station 6 will target LEED Silver.