Construction is set to begin at Peterborough’s new state-of-the-art Fire Station, located on Elm Street. The existing Summer Street facility was outdated, undersized, had limited access, and was no longer suitable to meet the needs of Peterborough and the surrounding communities. This much-needed facility will provide improved emergency response capabilities and serve the community for years to come.
We are proud to have provided civil engineering services for this 22,000 sq. ft. fire station, carefully designed to fit on a shared site with the Peterborough Community Center while accommodating the unique site challenges of the location. The new station will feature seven apparatus bays, front and rear access for emergency vehicles, and parking for 89 vehicles, all while ensuring smooth vehicle and pedestrian circulation.
One of the most significant challenges of this project was designing a site that works within a relatively flat area surrounded by wetlands. To address this, we incorporated a variety of stormwater management solutions using industry-leading Best Management Practices (BMPs). These include a bioretention basin, pre-treatment and treatment swales, proprietary filtration systems, a tree box filter, a hydrodynamic separator, a sediment forebay, deep sump catch basins, and detention basins. Additionally, a rainwater cistern has been integrated into the design to improve sustainability and water conservation efforts. Roof runoff collected in an underground cistern will be used for truck washing and other non-potable uses, allowing for enhanced water conservation.
Beyond stormwater management, our team also ensured that the site design met necessary environmental and permitting requirements. We provided New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) environmental permitting services, local Site Plan Review permitting, and attended community input meetings. Engaging with the public and key stakeholders was essential to ensuring the project aligns with community needs and expectations.
This $11.7 million project has been a collaborative effort from the start. We have worked closely with Town officials, SMP Architecture, and Harvey Construction to ensure the new fire station is efficient, functional, and built to serve Peterborough for decades to come. With a focus on efficient site use and improved emergency response, this project was thoughtfully planned to meet the needs of the community.
As construction kicks off, we look forward to seeing this vision come to life and providing updates on the progress. Stay tuned as we continue working to enhance safety, sustainability, and service for the Peterborough community!
