University District - Station 17

About the Station

Fire Station 17, located at 1050 NE 50th Street, is a Battalion Headquarters station. Battalion 6 serves the neighborhoods of northeast Seattle, Eastlake, and Capitol Hill. Currently, the facility houses an engine company, a ladder truck, a Battalion Chief, a reserve aid car, and a reserve Battalion Chief's car. The project will add space for a medic unit and a proposed specialty unit (Tunnel Rescue). To recognize its historic significance, the building received landmark designation in 2005.

Building additions and renovations will take place on an expanded site. Improvements will offer a safer, more efficient work environment for supporting both fire and emergency medical calls.

Design began in 2007, and permitting is expected to be completed in 2008. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2008 and finish in 2009.

Station Improvements

The architectural firm Bassetti architects is designing the addition/renovation.

Improvements will include:

• a structural upgrade to bring the station up to current seismic safety standards
• an addition on the north side of the station to support Battalion 6, which will provide space for fire fighting equipment and vehicles
• increased space for classroom instruction, physical training, and an outside court for conducting drills
• new firefighter quarters
• renovated administration area
• improved mechanical and electrical systems.

Temporary Relocation

During the upgrade, the station will be relocated to an interim facility two blocks from the station to ensure continued fire and emergency medical response to the neighborhoods served by Fire Station 17.

Current Status

August 2008: The construction documents phase of design is complete, and the project is preparing to go out to bid.

Project Milestones

July 2008: The project received a certificate of approval from the Landmarks Preservation Board.

June 2008: Pellco Construction was awarded the contract for work on the temporary station.

March 2008: The Seattle Landmark Board’s Architectural Review Committee reviewed the project.

September 2007: About 175 neighbors attended the design development community open house.

August 2007: The Seattle Landmark Board's Architectural Review Committee looked at details regarding connecting the existing and new buildings.

June 2007: The Seattle Landmark Board's Architectural Review Committee looked at the scope of the project and the massing of the new addition.

January 2007: Approximately 200 community members attended the pre-design scope open house on Saturday, January 27 to learn more about station improvements, view sketches, meet the fire fighters, and tour the engine, medic unit, and ladder truck.

August 2006: Consultant selection was held; Bassetti architects were selected.