Boise Fire Station 5

As the busiest fire station in Idaho, Boise Fire Station 5 has been a critical part of the city’s emergency response for decades. The new station replaces the outdated 1950s-era facility with a modern, resilient, and highly efficient essential services building designed to meet the evolving needs of the community.

This two-story, 15,196-square-foot station is Idaho’s first net-zero energy ready fire station. Designed with sustainability in mind, it is planned to achieve an Energy Use Index (EUI) of 32, allowing it to offset its energy needs with rooftop solar. It is also prepared for future 480v rapid electric engine charging stations, supporting the transition to cleaner firefighting technology.

Constructed with concrete masonry and structural steel framing, the facility houses three back-in apparatus bays, operational support and maintenance areas, residential quarters for on-duty firefighters, offices, and workrooms. A historical display area featuring an antique fire engine and department artifacts preserves the legacy of the station’s long-standing service to the community.

Rather than making a bold architectural statement, the station is designed as a traditional infill building that blends seamlessly into its downtown surroundings. Classic brick cladding and masonry detailing pay homage to the city’s historic urban fabric, while key design elements reference the original Central Fire Station—honoring the past while building for the future.

In collaboration with Hummel Architects.