Central Fire Station No. 1, built in 1938 as part of the Public Works Administration, has long been a fixture of downtown Austin. Designed in the Modern style by Kreisle and Brooks, the building’s streamlined architecture reflects the city’s post-Depression ambition to modernize. The City of Austin hired WestEast to restore and renovate this landmark, preserving its historic character while enhancing functionality to meet the demands of today’s urban core. The project ensures that this National Register-listed structure continues to serve the community, both as a fully operational fire and EMS station and a preserved piece of Austin’s architectural history.

WestEast’s approach focused on balancing historic preservation with modern upgrades. The concept centered around the idea of the "Austin Show" — a duality where the public interacts closely with the fire station on the first floor, while firefighters have a terrace retreat on the second floor, looking outward toward the city’s ever-growing skyline. The renovation retained the building’s iconic curved portico and brickwork, while repairs were made to rusting lintels, deteriorated brick, and failing windows. The addition of private sleeping quarters and modernized public areas improved the building’s functionality, while a new southern addition met life safety codes without detracting from the original design.

The project’s success lies in its ability to respect the past while preparing the station for the future. The restored façade and enhanced interiors preserve the building’s historical integrity, while its modern upgrades ensure it continues to meet the needs of Austin’s emergency services. The station retains its "front-row seat" to the Austin Show — a living part of the city’s history and a functioning, essential part of its emergency response infrastructure.