Celina Fire Station No. 3

Celina Fire Station No. 3: A State-of-the-Art Facility Built for Community Safety

Celina, TX

The city of Celina, Texas, reinforced its commitment to public safety with the addition of Fire Station No. 3 in Aubrey, Texas. This $15 million, 23,234-square-foot facility is designed to serve the growing community with state-of-the-art features that enhance emergency response capabilities.

Project Overview
The station includes five engine bays for fire trucks and emergency vehicles, a community room for public use, a workout facility, a kitchen and dining area, and dormitory spaces for firefighters on shift.

Architectural Features:
• Exterior: The building’s exterior is constructed with stone masonry, exposed timber beams, and wood decking accents, giving it a classic and durable aesthetic. A standing seam metal roof was installed for longevity and weather resistance.
• Interior: Inside, the fire station showcases a heavy timber-framed structure with exposed wood decking ceilings and matching interior stone accents for a cohesive design.
• Finishes: The flooring consists of polished concrete, known for its durability and ease of maintenance, while the cabinetry and millwork are made of stained white oak, adding warmth to the space.

Pre-Construction Planning
Crossland was chosen for this project based on its extensive experience and qualifications, even before the design plans were finalized. Our team worked closely with the architect to develop cost estimates throughout the design process, ensuring the project stayed within the city’s budget. At each phase, we reviewed plans, identified potential savings, and made recommendations to maximize resources without sacrificing quality.

Building with Heavy Timber
Fire Station No. 3 was constructed using a heavy timber-framed structure, meaning that all structural beams, columns, and decking were made of real stained timber sourced from across the country.

Unlike traditional steel or concrete framing, heavy timber construction requires specialized engineering to connect wood beams to steel and metal framing components. The design team delegated this responsibility to Crossland, so we took the lead in working with engineers to ensure structural stability and proper timber connections.

Because the wood beams and trusses were exposed as a finished product, our team took extra precautions to protect them from damage throughout construction, including shielding them from weather exposure until the structure was fully enclosed.

Adapting to Design Modifications
During construction, after the stone masonry had already been installed, the owner realized they did not like the original stone color they had selected earlier in the design process. To address this, we brought in a specialized subcontractor to hand-stain approximately 75% of the stone to achieve the new desired color..

Design Collaboration & Problem Solving
As the project progressed, the owner identified additional features that would enhance the fire station’s functionality, particularly for emergency response operations. One key addition was the shoreline power system for fire engines and ambulances in the apparatus bay—an essential feature that ensures emergency vehicles remain powered while parked inside.

To accommodate this request, Crossland worked closely with the fire department to determine optimal placement for the shorelines and designed custom mounting solutions to securely attach them to the ceiling.

Our team incorporated these enhancements while maintaining the project’s schedule and budget. Through our proactive approach, collaboration, and innovative thinking, we successfully delivered a facility that meets the operational needs of first responders and the growing Celina community.

A Fire Station Built for the Future
Celina Fire Station No. 3 is more than just a building—it’s a lifeline for the community. Designed with advanced emergency response capabilities, comfortable living quarters for firefighters, and aesthetic elements that blend durability with modern design, this station will serve the city for decades to come.

We’re proud to have played a key role in bringing this essential facility to life, ensuring that it not only meets the needs of first responders but also enhances the safety and well-being of the Celina community.

Project Facts

Industry Sector: Municipal
Cost: $15,486,720
Size: 23,234 SF
Delivery Method: Construction Management
Self-Perform: Concrete, Pre-Cast
Owner: City of Celina
Architect: HED Design
Engineer: Pacheco Koch