East Liberty Fire Station
MWS served as the public safety design consultant to AE7 architects located in Pittsburgh, PA.
Renderings by AE7 architects.
Originally built in 1929, the East Liberty Fire Station is a three-story Art Deco masonry building located in a transforming Pittsburgh neighborhood. This renovation reimagines the historic station’s interior, bringing it up to and beyond current energy and code standards while preserving its architectural character. The project aims for NetZero Energy readiness, with a sustainability consultant guiding strategies for airtight construction, improved indoor air quality, and biophilic design elements throughout.
A trauma-informed approach reshapes the interior experience, reintroducing skylights and creating a daylight-filled courtyard to support wellness. A historic courtroom is repurposed into a recreational space for public use, while the updated layout incorporates modern apparatus bays, decontamination areas, bunk rooms, administrative offices, and community spaces. The design honors the original façade and preserves key historic features, while a public art installation focused on healing will further connect the station to its community.
