Manitowish Waters Fire Department is a new home for essential services in Northern Wisconsin.
Manitowish Waters is a small community that sits in the heart of a chain-of-lakes region in northern Wisconsin. They have their own non-profit Fire Company, one of few left in the state, which is run by volunteer firefighters and provides EMS, fire, and rescue services for the town and surrounding area.
An outdated and obsolete structure no longer fit the town’s needs, especially in the summer months when the area population swells with resort tourists and temporary residents. HGA worked with members of the fire company and the Town of Manitowish Waters to design a new facility for the Manitowish Waters Fire Department that would provide the needed space to serve the community in any emergency.
The 10,300-square-foot station has a four-door drive-through apparatus bay that houses a fire engine, ambulance, ATVs and boats. Connected to the bay is a multi-purpose building that includes a training area, kitchen, offices, fitness area, bathrooms, and showers.
The exterior of the building is clad in custom precast panels that create a pattern of vertical shadows reminiscent of the shade and silhouettes found in a Northwoods forest. A steel canopy across the front of the building provides shelter and a pop of bright acid green, echoing the theme of neighboring towns that all have a color scheme, and making a nod toward the safety yellow of the vehicles.
Funds to build the new fire station were raised through donations, and a tax levy to purchase the land, building, and equipment.