Chicago has long been a city of unique neighborhoods, each with its own character and personality. For over a century, local fire stations have been strategically embedded in these communities, central to the Chicago Fire Department’s mission and motto: “We’re there when you need us.” Wight is honored to be leading our fire station specialists and a team of building professionals to assess 101 Chicago Fire Station facilities and identify opportunities to ensure they provide not only future-ready workplaces but also healthy and comfortable homes away from home for firefighters.

With 101 stations as unique as the neighborhoods they serve, this project is a complex undertaking that Wight managed through a detailed project plan and focused coordination with city officials, maintenance staff, and the Chicago Fire Department. This project provides a roadmap for the city to modernize facilities with industry-standard systems, meet ever-changing code requirements, and optimize space usage. It also prioritizes the safety and well-being of firefighters by recommending best practices in fire station design to improve air quality, enhance security, and provide areas for rest and fitness. Implementing these changes can positively impact the Chicago Fire Department and the communities they serve for generations to come.

Watch the video below to learn more about this vital project for Chicago’s Bravest.