Context Architecture

Project Highlight

Belmont Fire Headquarters & Substation in Belmont, Massachusetts
Size: 21,900 sq. ft. (H.Q.) / 16,600 sq. ft. (Substation)
Status: Completed in 2007

Analysis of seventeen different sites and a thorough response time study determined that two strategically located stations could replace three aging, obsolete facilities and better meet the community needs. The Headquarters building sits on a busy artery through the Town and recalls elements of its predecessor stations with a form that echoes hose-drying towers from earlier firefighting days. With five apparatus and vehicle bays on the ground floor, this station provides extensive department training, meeting, and office space, as well as crew quarters, dining, recreation, and fitness areas.

The substation, built on the site of a municipal parking lot and local bus hub, occupies a prominent corner location at the entrance to Belmont Center’s compact retail area.

Visit the link below for more information on this project.
https://www.contextarc.com/belmont-fire-headquarters-substation

Photography: Richard Mandelkorn

Project Highlight

Lewiston Fire Substation in Lewiston, Maine
Completed in 2021
New Construction

Fire Station #4 is the first of the three, outdated sub-stations to be repaired in the Town of Lewiston. The new station has three drive-through bays, a storage loft, as well as modern support spaces with a separation of living and working that promotes healthy conditions. In the building’s living area there are dormitory rooms; a study room; a kitchen; a dining room, and a spacious day room. A large fitness room off the fire fighter’s entry was designed to be used by all members of the Lewiston Fire Department.

The fitness facility and the inclusion of fire fighter training facilities (inside and outside of the building) are added features that make this station a model of Lewiston’s effort to bring its fire stations into the twenty-first century.

Visit the link below for more information on this project.
https://www.contextarc.com/lewiston-fire-substation

Photography: Brian Vanden Brink

Our firm is proud to have designed over 50 public safety buildings for municipalities across New England. We understand the pressure to upgrade aging facilities, and are well-versed in presenting this need to the public. Our firm works hard to create beautiful, cost-effective buildings that will become landmarks for their communities for years to come.

Project Highlight

Andover BallardVale Fire Station in Andover, Massachusetts
Status: Completed in 2021

Context Architecture is pleased to announce that the recently completed Andover BallardVale Fire Station received a Project Achievement Award from the Construction Management Association of America, New England Chapter (CMAA-NE), for exemplary construction management and construction administration. Thank you PMA Consultants, for your exceptional services.

The new station in BallardVale’s Historic District has a three-bay apparatus garage that replaces the old one-bay station, with new crew quarters and a training room (tripling the capacity of the existing conditions). Our design team worked closely with the Town’s Historic District Committee to integrate this new station with the Town’s unique historical context.

Our services also included significant involvement with the public approvals process—attending dozens of public meetings to provide information about the project. Our team worked hard to make sure that the Town was well-informed. The tight-knit BallardVale neighborhood felt listened to, and the project successfully passed Town Meeting.

Visit the link below for more information on this project.

https://www.contextarc.com/andover-ballardvale-fire-station

Photography: Andy Caulfield

Andover Public Safety Center in Andover, Massachusetts
Completed in 2004
New Construction

After completing a feasibility study for the Town of Andover, Context was hired to design the new public safety complex. This facility houses the police and fire departments; Emergency Medical Response; a firing range; as well as a tiered meeting and training room that can also serve as the town’s Emergency Management Operations Center. A dramatic 2-story lobby with slate flooring, maple paneling, and split-faced masonry connects the fire and police departments while providing a welcoming public entryway. All public interaction occurs in this lobby area, maintaining the security of the rest of the building.

Located in the Town’s center, the site of the new building was tight with a 25-inch vertical elevation change. Context took advantage of this condition to provide terraced parking and an exposed lower level, which contains the firing range, two vehicle and evidence storage garages, and a private entryway for both departments.

Visit the link below for more information on this project.

https://www.contextarc.com/andover-public-safety-center

Photography: Bruce T. Martin