City of Boulder Fire-Rescue Station #3 Earns National Gold and Health & Wellness Awards

Boulder Fire-Rescue’s Station #3 has earned two top national awards, the Gold Honor Award and the Health & Wellness Award, putting Boulder on the map for fire station design that puts firefighters’ health, safety, and service to the community first. These awards were announced in the end of September at the Fire Facilities Design Awards celebration hosted by the Fire Industry Education and Resource Organization (F.I.E.R.O.).

Out of 46 stations submitted from across the country, only seven received Gold recognition and just three received Health & Wellness awards. Boulder Fire-Rescue Station #3 brought home both.

“These awards celebrate more than just a building,” said Michael Calderazzo, Boulder Fire-Rescue Chief. “They represent our community’s commitment to creating a safe, healthy, and resilient place for our firefighters so they can continue serving Boulder at their very best.”

The design of Station #3 focuses on firefighter wellness, with features that reduce exposure to hazards, provide recovery spaces, and support long-term health. It also stands out for its innovative layout and strong community presence.

Boulder Fire-Rescue Station 3 was also recently named Colorado/Wyoming Best Project in Government and Public Buildings at the Engineering News Record’s annual Mountain States Best Projects competition.

Station 3 is a remarkable display of sustainability, which is hoped to be achieved in future City of Boulder buildings. “Station 3 reused 22 tons of steel that was salvaged from an old hospital within the city,” said Adam Goldstone, Facilities Principal Project Manager, when talking about some of the facility’s best features. “The station is all-electric and the roof was designed to maximize the use of photovoltaic panels. All stormwater that falls on the site is collected, treated, and allowed to percolate, with the green roof also reducing heat and unwanted glare for the building’s occupants.”

Building design and completion is a collaborative effort in the City of Boulder. Boulder Fire-Rescue is grateful for the expertise and dedication of those in the Facilities Department in bringing this station to fruition. Together, Boulder is able to bring forward a facility that reflects the very best of our community.

Station #3 now stands, not just as a local firehouse, but as a national model for how thoughtful design can improve public safety, firefighter health, and community sustainability.

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