Lansing Fire Station #2

Lansing, MI

Originally planned as a renovation of an existing two-story back-in station, the Lansing Fire Station #2 project evolved after the design team demonstrated that a one-story, drive-through facility could fit on the compact, irregularly shaped site with only a modest budget increase. The resulting 10,000-square-foot station provides greater operational efficiency, longer service life, and improved functionality for firefighters with the final design demonstrating how thoughtful planning can maximize functionality.

Client: City of Lansing, MI

Type: Fire Station

Size: 9,980 SF, 2 drive-through bays, 8 bunks

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The two-bay station was planned to streamline emergency response and daily operations. A drive-through apparatus layout improves vehicle circulation and eliminates backing into traffic, while carefully organized interior spaces minimize travel distances between living quarters, support spaces, and apparatus bays. With only a small portion of the building dedicated to corridors, the design maximizes usable space and operational efficiency.

Dedicated decontamination areas for firefighting and EMS equipment help separate clean and contaminated zones, reducing the spread of contaminants throughout the station. High-performance building systems — including energy-efficient mechanical equipment, LED lighting, high-performance wall assemblies, low-e glazing, and extensive daylighting — support occupant comfort while reducing long-term operating costs.

The station’s architecture reinforces the identity of the Lansing Fire Department through contemporary detailing, corbelled brick, expansive apparatus bay glazing, and a distinctive red roof that references the city’s existing fire stations. A welcoming public entrance, accessible vestibule, public restroom, seating area, and mail-in ballot drop box strengthen the station’s connection to the surrounding neighborhood while making it a valued community resource.