Omaha Fire Station #31

Omaha, NE | 2022
17,375 sq. ft.

Replacing a 75-year-old fire station that served the same well-established neighborhood, Omaha Fire Station #31 honors the legacy of the original 1947 streamline Art Deco building while supporting the needs of a modern emergency facility. The original station served as the primary inspiration for the new design, with iconic elements including a cast concrete medallion, dedication plaque, and exterior brass light fixtures salvaged and incorporated as meaningful mementos.

Constructed on a previously vacant site, the project transformed the location into a renewed civic presence within the neighborhood. The design distills the essence of the original streamline style through angular forms and fins that reference the aerodynamics of the historic structure. Material selection and detailing reinforce the building’s civic identity while maintaining a strong connection to its architectural roots.

Inside, the plan prioritizes health, safety, and operational efficiency. Public spaces are separated from firefighter living and activity areas to create a welcoming yet secure environment. Centrally located sleeping rooms provide quick access to apparatus bays and support spaces, while individual, private, gender-inclusive quarters allow flexibility as staffing needs change. A dedicated decontamination room supports firefighter health by separating contaminants from living and sleeping areas.

Photographs by Tom Kessler Photography