The Taylors (SC) Fire Department needed to replace a headquarters station built in 1960 that had been renovated over the years yet still needed major repairs and updating. The department thought it was important to have administrative and firefighting staff under one roof in a new station instead of the two separate buildings at its old headquarters, and also have a separate maintenance facility.
Ultimately, Taylors Fire got what it needed in a new 23,050-square-foot headquarters fire station designed by DP3 Architects.
Chief Bobby Baker says, “We looked at staying at our existing station; however, we received several quotes to renovate, and the quotes were several millions of dollars, almost as expensive as building a new station, prompting us to proceed with new construction. In addition, Taylors is the fifth largest city within Greenville County, making a growing population another need for our new headquarters.”
Baker notes that Taylors Fire serves a population of approximately 31,228 in a coverage area of approximately 16 square miles, which includes a combination of industrial, business, church, school, and residential development. The department has three stations, eight administrative personnel, and 46 full-time paid firefighters running five engines, a platform, a rescue, and a service truck, with an aerial ladder on order.
Baker points out, “We also wanted to make the new living quarters spectacular for our firefighters, making them feel at home so that they can do their best and be their best when responding to our community. In addition, we host training classes a good bit and wanted ample room inside for those, and also more parking.”…