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Fire Station No. 1
The Mayor of Anchorage was ready to take downtown property by eminant domain after many months of unsuccesfully trying to acquire a new site for the downtown fire station. Venture obtained site control of nine parcels of land that met strict seismic codes--assembling a site and design that resolved a remonstrative public meeting.
The Anchorage Fire Station One program includes area wide administration offices, a firefighter museum area, 10 apparatus and support areas as well as living quarters for the firefighters.
The unique character of this program where employees work and live together in the fire station during their 24-hour shifts, led to a focus on public duty combined with private lives. The design team sought to express and celebrate the contrast of these two differing needs to the community. This transition, from public to private, became the organizing principle of the building. The outer walls and lower levels contain the office and public areas, and a large front apron/plaza allows the firefighters to service and maintain the apparatus while allowing the public the opportunity to view these activities. A red pathway leads a visitor through the building and its changing levels of privacy.