Caplea Coe Architects, Inc. 

A longstanding fixture on the island, St. John’s Fire District Kiawah Station No. 6 was transformed into a new state-of-the-art facility to benefit all Kiawah residents.  The existing fire station was built in 1996 and had no significant renovations since its original construction.  An assessment was completed to determine the feasibility of renovating the existing structure vs rebuilding to meet current earthquake and flood forces. The assessment also took in to consideration the Department’s 20 year plan for growth and infrastructure improvements including new apparatus to serve Kiawah Island. Based on the existing building’s construction it was determined to demolish the existing building to accommodate a new code-compliant facility with enlarged apparatus bays and additional spaces to serve an increased number of firefighters.  During construction the fire department operated out of a temporary facility located in an adjacent parking lot. 
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The new station has 3 apparatus bays, with the living areas of the building elevated above flood level.  The living areas of the station were designed to allow for 10 people per shift. Those areas include bunk and bathroom facilities, kitchen, dayroom, fitness room, laundry room, office space and support facilities .The station is also equipped with a 100% backup generator.

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Project Team: 

Structural Engineer: 4SE, Inc. 

Structural Engineer (For temporary station): ADC Engineering, Inc. 

MEP Engineer: RMF Engineering, Inc. 

Civil Engineer: Thomas & Hutton Engineering, Co. 

Landscape Architect: John Tarkany Associates

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