The borough of Pine Hill had been in the process of consolidating its operations from three separate fire organizations to one single department. The last step was to move all the operations to one facility. The biggest problem faced was how to fit the needs of the department onto the property while addressing the safety issues of the short aprons on a busy road. To rectify this safety issue, 12 feet was removed from the front of the existing building allowing for more apron space. Also created was a drive through bay for the aerial device from the side road. No more backing in the ladder.

The entire existing building became the operations area for the new facility including, space for seven pieces of apparatus, maintenance, chief's office, a radio room and a decon area. The addition off the back included a new entrance which leads directly to administration spaces, meeting and training room, and a kitchen/lounge for the firefighters. Also centrally located in the design are male and female locker/toilet facilities. All the needs were met by smart design and creative use of the spaces, and all for under the projected budget. The building is now the pride of the Pine Hill Fire Department and the new look is greatly appreciated by the neighborhood.

Firm: Robbie Conley Architect

Design Team: R.J. Conley, AIA, Architect

Bruce Farrell, Project Manager

Marc Wachter, Building System Engineer

Churchill Consulting Engineers, Site Engineering

Fire Chief: Richard Wright

Project Area: 10,480 sq. ft.

Total Cost: $850,000

Cost per Square Foot: $81.11

Completion Date: April 2004