WestEast Design Group Leads Renovation of Central Fire Station No. 1 in Austin

WestEast Design Group is proud to announce the completion of the renovation and expansion of Austin’s historic Central Fire Station No. 1, a cornerstone of the downtown area since 1938. Tasked by the City of Austin to modernize the station while preserving its historical character, WestEast led the architectural redesign and managed subconsultants for engineering, landscape, and technology design, ensuring that all updates met the strict standards of the historical commission.

Originally designed by Kreisle and Brooks in the Modern style, Central Fire Station No. 1 reflects the city’s ambition to advance after the Great Depression. The newly renovated station maintains this architectural integrity while enhancing its functionality to meet the demands of one of Austin’s busiest fire and EMS hubs. The upgrades, which began in 2020, include a new roof, two kitchens, dorm rooms, showers, and a secure parking lot for Austin Fire Department and EMS personnel. Importantly, the renovation also allowed for the expansion of emergency services with the addition of a second EMS unit, bringing the station's total capacity to three fire units and two ATCEMS units, supporting up to 17 personnel at any given time.

The restoration ensures that Central Fire Station No. 1 remains a fully operational emergency services facility while preserving its legacy as part of Austin’s architectural history. The station, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, continues to serve the community with pride and stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to blending history with modernity.

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