Shive-Hattery is proud to announce that the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Field Fire and Rescue Station (McChord Field Fire Station) has been recognized with the prestigious Mount Tacoma Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Projects of Excellence Awards with the Complexity Award and People’s Choice Award. The awards were presented on October 25, 2024, during the ceremony held at SeaTac Marriott in Seattle, Washington.
The McChord Field Fire and Rescue Station is an essential facility dedicated to fire protection, emergency medical services, and flight line support for Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and McChord Field aircraft operations. Originally built in 1951, the 25,000-square-foot-firehouse has undergone seven additions and various cosmetic repairs and renovations over the years. The goal of this project was to address deficiencies and deliver a fully functional and efficient facility.
The McChord Field Fire Station was honored with the Complexity Award for its innovative approach to overcoming significant technical and logistical challenges. The project involved a design that included temporary operational facilities for the 24/7 emergency response crews while maintaining its original footprint and seamlessly blending in with the adjacent historic district.
“While completely demolishing the existing building and designing a new one would have been simpler, the client prioritized preserving the original structure,” shared Eun Backstrom, architect with Helix, a Division of Shive-Hattery.
“To honor this request, we navigated several challenges to meet the diverse objectives of Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the Seattle District. The result is a total renovation that retains the building’s integrity while transforming its primary structural system and providing a modern exterior.”
The People’s Choice Award, determined by public vote, highlights the project’s impact and widespread appreciation.
“Listening to all our project stakeholders is what lead to this award-winning design,” said Lee Davenport, project manager with Helix, a Division of Shive-Hattery. “We are incredibly proud and grateful for the recognition from SAME and the community.”
Shive-Hattery served as the architect and interior designer on the multi-disciplinary team which was led by BCE, a Gannett Fleming TranSystems Company. Other team members included AHBL, Med Tox NW, Acuity PT & C and A3 Acoustics.
The Joint Base Lewis-McChord Field Fire and Rescue Station project exemplifies Shive-Hattery’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and contributing to critical national and community objectives.
