New Fire Apparatus Building and Renovations
New Fire Apparatus Building and Renovations
Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission | Tuscaloosa, Alabama
New Apparatus Building and Renovation at Alabama Fire College
This project, the first of six we've completed for the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission since 2013, involved new construction, renovation, and various campus improvements in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Major Expansion and New Apparatus Building
We significantly expanded the College's facilities with a new apparatus building. This 19,480 square-foot structure features four pull-through bays for firefighting and rescue equipment, training and instructional spaces, multipurpose areas, specialized and general storage, and support facilities. The building uses a hybrid pre-engineered metal system for cost efficiency and long-span flexibility, complemented by brick veneer and detailed masonry to match the College's original multipurpose building.
Renovation of Existing Space
When the new apparatus building was completed, part of the original building was converted into a large meeting and conference facility. This renovation included a new entrance canopy, updated mechanical and electrical systems, and various interior and exterior improvements.
Additional Campus Improvements
We added nearly 27,000 square feet of concrete aprons for the apparatus and later built a fire apparatus driver training course. This course includes various roadways, parking areas, and maneuvering sections to train personnel in driving fire trucks under different conditions.
Continued Collaboration in 2023
In 2023, Aho Architects continued its partnership with the Fire College by adding a new 25,000 square-foot building. This new facility houses and protects additional training assets, mobile instructional props and trailers, a shop facility, and more storage.
Interesting Story
As the new apparatus building was nearing completion, we took advantage of the resources at our client’s disposal for a little quality assurance work on the new roof…
“Sometimes a garden hose just isn’t sufficient to check a roof for leaks… and your client has all the cool tools and can dial-up everything from a gentle sprinkle to a hurricane!”
