A symbol of safety and strength in the community

By Dani Sheehan.

With the inclusion of metal wall panels in this fire station’s redesign, La Crosse is investing in its first responders and public safety.

Fire stations are a vital part of the community’s safety network, and just as we adapt to new technologies as society evolves, buildings can become outdated and unable to keep up with the demands of modern firefighting. Fire Station #2 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, was originally built in 1957 and was long overdue for replacement.

City officials and architects sought a building solution that could withstand the unique challenges of a fire station while maintaining a polished, professional look.

A fire station built for a different era

Before its replacement, La Crosse’s Fire Station #2 had been in service for over six decades. While it had served the community well, the aging structure no longer met the needs of today’s firefighters. Like many older fire stations, it lacked modern living quarters, decontamination areas and the durability required for a facility that operates 24/7.

Firefighters don’t just work at the station, they live there for extended shifts, requiring comfortable sleeping, fitness and shower facilities. Additionally, exposure to hazardous materials in the line of duty means modern firehouses need dedicated decontamination areas, which was missing in the outdated structure.

Beyond these internal challenges, the exterior of the building also needed a serious upgrade. Fire stations are a symbol of safety and resilience in any community, and a deteriorating facade does little to inspire confidence. The city needed a design that was not only visually appealing but also tough enough to last for decades.

A modern and durable new design

To address these challenges, the city worked with Wendel Companies’ Eau Claire, Wisconsin, office to design a station that would meet both functional and aesthetic needs. The final design incorporated two styles of masonry, glass curtain wall and metal wall panels.

For the exterior cladding, the architects specified Petersen’s PAC-CLAD Modular AL panels, fabricated from 0.050-gauge aluminum. Approximately 3,700 square feet of these metal wall panels in three finishes – granite, sandstone and champagne – were installed by BlueWaters Companies of Ham Lake, Minnesota.  

La Crosse’s new Fire Station #2 is a forward-thinking facility designed to support firefighters and the community for the next 50 years. By incorporating PAC-CLAD metal wall panels, the station not only achieves a striking modern look but also ensures long-term durability and performance.

Learn how metal wall panels can elevate your next project by exploring Petersen’s PAC-CLAD exterior wall solutions and see how durability, design and performance come together.

Photo source: alanblakely.com