Waconia Fire Station
Inspired by the City’s first fire station, this new project modernizes the station’s services and accommodations for its fire fighters.Read More
The City of Waterville partnered with BKV Group to design a new fire station that enhances emergency response capabilities while prioritizing the health, safety, and operational needs of its volunteer firefighters. Following an initial programming process with the department, BKV Group developed a pre-engineered metal facility designed for efficient operations, rapid response, and long-term durability.
The station’s layout is organized to support streamlined volunteer response. Turnout gear storage is positioned at the building’s corner adjacent to dedicated volunteer parking, allowing quick access to both large and small apparatus bays.
A dedicated decontamination area and “dirty” restroom are located directly off the apparatus zone, supporting best practices for firefighter health and safety, with the hardened space also functioning as a tornado shelter. Clean support spaces are separated from operational areas through airlock transitions to reduce cross-contamination. Returning personnel can access locker rooms, change into clean clothing, and utilize one of three private shower rooms before entering the station’s shared spaces.
Administrative offices line the street frontage, while shared spaces such as the kitchen and lounge foster day-to-day interaction and camaraderie among volunteers. Positioned near apparatus access, these spaces also support the quick transitions required during emergency response. Deeper within the facility, quieter areas including bunk rooms and wellness spaces provide places for rest, focus, and recovery, while the fitness room extends outward to the rear apron, encouraging training activities both indoors and out.
The station also features public-facing spaces that create opportunities for both connection and respite. A small museum display honoring the department’s history anchors the front of the building and opens into a flexible training room designed to support community engagement and departmental gatherings alike.