Palo Alto Fire Station No. 3

Palo Alto, CA | Fire Services

Palo Alto Fire Station 3 is part of a complex of civic buildings in the Rinconada Park. It relates to the iconic mid-century library design across the street through its use of terra cotta panels and dark grey metal panels. The new 2 story drive-thru station replaces a 1950’s era single story back-in fire station. It has more than double the capacity of its predecessor to accommodate larger apparatus. All of this was accomplished on the existing site without removal of historic native trees. The station incorporates NFPA best practices to reduce fire personnel exposure to fire and medical related contaminates.

Client: City of Palo Alto
Location: Palo Alto
Project Completion: 2020

Palo Alto Fire Station No. 3

Clerestory windows above the kitchen provide natural light and privacy.

 
Palo Alto Fire Station No. 3

Evening shot of the front entry.

 
Palo Alto Fire Station No. 3

Sliding 4-fold apparatus doors assist in fast and reliable turnout times.

 
Palo Alto Fire Station No. 3

The terracotta cladding relates to the other civic buildings in the Park as well as to historic brick fire houses.

 
Palo Alto Fire Station No. 3

Front entry and watch room.

 
Palo Alto Fire Station No. 3

View of the main stairs from the front entry.

 
Palo Alto Fire Station No. 3

Watch Room as seen from the main stairs.

 
Palo Alto Fire Station No. 3

Large sliding glass doors provides ample natural ventilation and expansive views of the park.

 
Palo Alto Fire Station No. 3

Jogging among the trees.

 
Palo Alto Fire Station No. 3

An existing “heritage” redwood tree was saved and incorporated into the project.

 
SHAH KAWASAKI - ARCHITECTS