North Topsail Beach Fire Station #2

Client Town of North Topsail Beach
Architect Becker - Morgan Group
Location North Topsail Beach, NC

The new station will replace the current Fire Station No. 2, originally built in 1987. The existing facility, located at 3304 Gray Street, has faced repeated flooding issues due to its location in FEMA flood zone AE 12. Over time, storm surges have inundated the building with up to 27 inches of water and mud, causing significant damage to the structure. The prolonged exposure to saltwater and air has led to the corrosion of metal components, necessitating the construction of a more resilient and modern facility.

The new Fire Station No. 2 will be designed with a strong emphasis on durability and flood resilience. The building will cover 11,643 square feet, with 8,549 square feet on the ground floor and 3,094 square feet on the second floor. The apparatus bays will accommodate four full-length vehicles, while the station will also include vital areas such as a day room, kitchen, exercise and training spaces, bunk rooms, lockers, and showers. The operations side of the station will house offices, workspaces, IT infrastructure, and storage facilities.

To ensure long-term resilience, the ground floor will be elevated to +8 feet above sea level, with flood-proofed walls constructed from load-bearing concrete blocks. The exterior will feature light-colored cementitious siding to reflect heat, along with architectural stone veneer and synthetic trim. Reinforced concrete will be used for the elevated floors, providing a strong foundation for the structure. Once completed, the new Fire Station No. 2 will be the most robust and reliable building in the area, ready to serve the southern half of North Topsail Beach for years to come.