Boulder Fire Station #3 and the Steamboat Springs Fire Station #1 both received Honor Awards at the national Fire Industry Education Resource Organization (FIERO) Station Design Conference, which celebrates excellence in fire and emergency facility design. Out of 50 entries, only seven were awarded the Honor designation, a notable accomplishment in a competitive field.

The 17,500 sf Station #1, nestled into the heart of historic Steamboat Springs “supports first responders with modern, functional spaces while serving as a welcoming community resource”, said Fire Chief Chuck Cerasoli. Designed to enhance operational readiness, the Station’s apparatus side includes three double-deep drive-through bays, allowing for convenient cab inspections and supported by a deep dispatch apron for rapid deployment. It also includes offices, dining room/kitchen, living quarters, fitness room, separated storage for bunker gear, SCBA, and equipment, training space and a community room.

Boulder Fire Station #3 is a new 28,000 sf facility that unifies its operational and administrative functions while improving fire department response time in a growing part of the city. It is recognized for the use of 89 reclaimed steel columns salvaged from the decommissioned Boulder Community Hospital, helping reduce its embodied carbon and supporting the City’s energy conservation goals. Additionally, a lower green roof and upper PV supporting roof helps insulate the building, manage stormwater, and provides 6,000 sf for a photovoltaic array offsetting energy consumption by 65%.

“Boulder asked us to design an iconic 100-year station meetings their sustainability, equity, and resiliency objectives. Fire Station #3 showcases how a successful, collaborative journey by committed stakeholders achieves this goal” said Joe Lear, Principal at Davis Partnership Architects.

Additionally, Station #3 was awarded a 2025 Best Project Award in the Government/Public Building category from Engineering News Record (ENR). The award recognizes the project’s sustainability features, design, and construction.

Congratulations to our partners at both Cities on these acknowledgements.

Learn more about the FIERO Award here: Fire Industry Education Resource Organization (F.I.E.R.O.)
Learn more about the ENR Award here: Talk of the Rockies | Engineering News-Record

Photos by Paul Brokering (left) and James Ray Spahn (right)