As growth surged along the southwest side of San Antonio—particularly near the new Toyota Truck manufacturing plant—the City of San Antonio recognized the urgent need for enhanced emergency services infrastructure. Fire Station No. 50 was envisioned as a modern, efficient, and community-centered response facility, capable of housing multiple fire apparatus and EMS vehicles while also serving as a resilient home base for first responders. The 11,600-square-foot station was carefully sited on a3.21-acre parcel and designed to include three apparatus bays, firefighter sleeping quarters, a day room and kitchen, a fitness space, and a communications and dispatch center. It was more than a building; it was acritical investment in public safety and sustainable civic infrastructure.

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The design process began with a comprehensive traffic impact analysis and site master planning study, laying the groundwork for a facility that prioritized operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. The design team developed solutions tailored to the daily demands of a fire station—specialty features such as decontamination wash areas, automated exhaust systems, overhead coiling doors, and integrated signalization systems were incorporated to improve safety and reduce wear on equipment. Throughout the planning and design phases, LEED principles guided material selections and building systems. From habitat protection and energy optimization to water-efficient landscaping and light pollution control, every element was designed to support LEED Silver certification while enhancing the wellness of the building’s users and the surrounding environment.

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Despite minor schedule delays caused by last-minute end-user modifications, Fire Station No. 50 was completed just one month past its original target and delivered under budget—coming in at $3.264 million versus the estimated $3.512 million. The finished station now stands as a functional and forward-thinking piece of public infrastructure, seamlessly blending durability, technology, and sustainability. It reflects a thoughtful approach to civic architecture, designed not just to respond to emergencies, but to anticipate the needs of a growing community. With its high-performance systems and human-centered spaces, Fire Station No. 50 continues to support San Antonio’s first responders as they serve one of the city’s fastest-developing districts.