​A long-standing fixture on the island, St. John’s Fire District Kiawah Station #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 versus rebuilding to meet current earthquake and flood forces, and also taking into consideration Kiawah’s 20-year plan for growth and infrastructure improvements.

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.

The new station has three apparatus bays, with the living areas of the building elevated above flood level. The living areas of the station were designed to allow for ten 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.

 

Consultant Team: 4SE - now EM Structural (Structural Engineering) • Thomas & Hutton (Civil Engineering) • RMF Engineering, Inc. (MEP Engineering) • S&ME (Geotechnical
Engineer) • C3 (Cost Estimating)

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