Swinerton building one of the first all-electric fire stations in the U.S.

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North Carolina Construction News staff writer

Swinerton says it has started construction of Charlotte Fire Department Station #30, set to be one of the first all-electric fire stations in the United States. This $16.4 million project aims to redefine public and civic spaces in North Carolina. The 14,000-sq. ft. building is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by fall 2025.

“Sustainability tops the list of priorities at Swinerton,” said Kevin Smith, Vice President and Division Manager of Swinerton’s Carolinas Division. “This new fire station, which will use no outside energy sources other than diesel fuel for one or two of the gas-powered fire trucks, is a testament to Charlotte’s commitment to its Strategic Energy Action Plan. We hope this is the first of many partnerships with the City of Charlotte to support its pursuit of this exceptionally important goal.” Initiated in June 2018, the city resolution aims to have its fleets and facilities powered by 100 percent zero-carbon sources by 2030.

Located at 3019 Beam Rd. on approximately three acres in southwest Charlotte, the new station will replace the original Station #30, which was a 1950s-era residential home converted to a fire station in 1991. Designed by ADW Architects, the new two-story building will feature three truck bays accessible by two fire poles, a dispatch area, a decontamination room, and gear storage.

Additional amenities include a fitness area with locker rooms, a kitchen and dining facility, a day room lounge, and offices for the captain and battalion chief. The second floor will house the sleeping quarters along with additional lockers and restrooms.

Multiple energy sources will power Station #30. Solar roof panels will supply power, while geothermic wells will provide air conditioning and energy-efficient floor heating. Electric vehicle charging stations will charge the electric fire truck, with additional wiring installed for future EV chargers.

The site will also include two EV parking stations for employee cars. The city plans to seek LEED® Silver certification, setting a benchmark for future public buildings.

As general contractor, Swinerton is providing comprehensive construction services, including pre- and post-construction site work and core and shell construction with new storefront systems, wall paneling, and brick siding. The project also includes a parking lot and landscaping with tree plantings. Throughout the project, Swinerton will utilize advanced technologies such as OpenSpace job site capturing, BIM 360 project collaboration, and drones to document construction.

Since expanding to the Southeast in 2018, Swinerton’s Carolinas Division has completed nearly $400 million worth of commercial projects. The division’s team of 90 construction leaders specializes in corporate interiors, healthcare, education, restaurants and hospitality, multifamily, and mass timber construction.

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