In 2016, the dedicated heroes of FEMS Engine 13/Ambulance 10 will move in to the first brand-new fire station the District of Columbia has built in over two decades. Nelson Architects was selected to by E Street Development Group to work with the city as it focuses on improving the fire department’s response times and providing first-responders with modern facilities.

“Not only is it a beautiful station, but it is going to allow these men and women to do their job a lot safer,” said Chief Gregory Dean of the DC’s Fire and EMS Department. At a November ribbon-cutting ceremony, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser called the project a “win­-win.”

The state-of-the-art facility features radiant heat in the floors, 40-foot-wide hydraulic doors, a training area with a repelling wall, and a spacious fitness room.

“400 E St SW is a beautifully designed mixed­-use project that is the manifestation of a successful public­ private partnership,” said Geoffrey Griffis, Managing Member of E Street Development Group. “From day one, our team was committed to developing a project that would truly serve the community.”

Nelson Architects was tasked with the unique challenge of insulating the audible activity of a fire station from the guests and staff in the hotel that occupies the same building. Nelson Architects employed its experience with mixed-use properties, and worked closely with the hotel’s designer and an acoustical engineer to address the potential noise problems.

Leading the overall project team was Jane Nelson, Principal at Nelson Architects. “We have always worked in technically challenging projects, but it’s rare to work on project where both commercial and residential design strategies are so integrated,” Ms. Nelson said. “Even more importantly, it is an honor to provide the District’s dedicated first-responders with this comfortable and efficient station.”
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