Altoona Fire Station No. 26

The construction of Altoona Fire Station No. 26 provides the Altoona Fire Department with a new satellite facility designed to support emergency response operations and the daily needs of its firefighters and emergency personnel. Approximately 18,000-square-foot facility includes four drive-through apparatus bays, administrative offices, training and emergency operations space, sleeping quarters, fitness and locker facilities, a day room, kitchen, laundry, equipment storage, and specialized support areas.

The facility was designed with the unique demands of a modern fire station in mind. With firefighters and emergency personnel occupying the building around the clock, the mechanical systems had to provide comfortable and reliable conditions across a wide variety of spaces. The project includes sleeping quarters, offices, training areas, fitness spaces, locker rooms, and large apparatus bays, each requiring careful consideration of heating, cooling, ventilation, and air distribution.

One of the specialized areas of the facility is the decontamination room, which provides a dedicated space for personnel and equipment following emergency responses. This area, along with the apparatus bays and other operational spaces, required thoughtful coordination of the mechanical systems to support the specific needs of a working fire station while maintaining the comfort and functionality of the occupied areas.

The four drive-through apparatus bays also presented a unique mechanical environment. The large open spaces need to accommodate emergency vehicles and equipment while supporting the day-to-day operations of the department. Mechanical systems had to be coordinated around the structural and architectural components of the building, including the large apparatus doors, mezzanine, and durable construction materials.

Throughout the project, Cunningham’s team worked closely with the construction team and other trades to coordinate the mechanical systems within the new facility. The completed station will provide the Altoona Fire Department with a modern, purpose-built facility designed to support emergency response, firefighter training, personnel wellness, and the continued growth of the Altoona community.