Dunedin Fire Station 61 Named a Finalist in AIA Florida 2023 People’s Choice Competition
Dunedin, FL – Designed by Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Fire Station 61 in Dunedin, FL was selected by AIA Florida architects as a distinguished example of public safety architecture in our state. It is now a candidate in the 2023 People’s Choice competition, which this year is a tribute to the architecture that is keeping Florida safe.
“Through design, architects have the ability to create spaces to enhance the human experience while protecting the health, safety and welfare of our communities—tools essential to supporting first responders as they face the daily call to serve,” said Frank, AIA Florida President. “As a vital part of the planning process, architects collaborate with key members to identify challenges, develop solutions and ensure our communities have tangible resources crucial to sustaining a thriving community.”
The competition features 28 buildings from across the state that are dedicated to public safety.
“The building is very user friendly and efficient for the firefighters that make it their home for 24 hours each day,” according to Fire Chief Jeffrey Parks. Dunedin Fire Station 61, a 7,500 sq ft, 3-bay Green Globes Certified fire station is designed with its users top of mind - efficiency and ease-of-use were incorporated throughout to ensure the crew would be optimally positioned to serve the community at all times.
The station is located prominently at the edge of the city’s second largest community park, allowing it and its crew to have a stronger and more visible presence within the community. The station has an incredibly efficient and simplified open floor plan, eliminating unnecessary corridors, and providing immediate access to the apparatus bay from any space within the building. The most unique feature is a fully enclosed glass antique apparatus bay that houses the City’s original Fire Engine, a 1922 American LaFrance that serviced the City of Dunedin from 1922 to 1947.
Designed to engage the public in discussions about architecture, the People’s Choice competition is held annually by AIA Florida and the Florida Foundation for Architecture. The competition has generated more than 12 million votes since its inception in 2012.
Unlimited voting online at floridapeopleschoice.org until 11:59 p.m. Eastern on July 28.
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The Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects, AIA Florida, headquartered in Tallahassee, represents the interests of more than 3,900 members in Florida. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct that assures the client, the public and colleagues of an AIA member architect’s dedication to the highest standards in professional practice.