The city of Mercer Island was recently notified that the American Institute of Architects has recognized its rebuilt Fire Station 92 with a national award, presented to project architects Miller Hull Partnership.

Selected from roughly 500 submissions, 17 recipients located throughout the world will be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2018 in New York City.

The AIA intends its prestigious award program “to highlight exemplary projects that show the world the range of outstanding work architects create and highlight the many ways buildings and spaces can improve our lives.”

Originally built in 1962 as a small volunteer station, Station 92 was incrementally enlarged over time, but was considered seismically deficient by today’s building code standards and at high risk of damage in an earthquake. The new building, officially opened in 2015, provides much more usable space, and intentionally invites views into the apparatus bay from passersby outside, creating a positive and interactive connection with the community it serves.

According to Mercer Island Fire Chief Heitman, crews are “thrilled with this functional new space and enjoy serving residents from this location.” About 700 calls per year (both fire and medical) are handled by the station.

Jury comments focused on the project’s notable conceptual clarity, clear planning, elegant detailing and beautiful execution through the creative use of light and materials. The station also incorporates a number of energy-saving features such as underfloor radiant heat and an airtight building envelope that performs 75 percent better than the levels allowed by state energy code. Swift-acting bifold vehicle bay doors were selected for low maintenance and to minimize the risk of jamming during earthquake events.

Read the AIA statement and the Miller Hull statement online, and learn about Station 92 and view the opening ceremony at www.mercergov.org/FS92.