City of Athens Breaks Ground on New Fire Station No. 3, Designed by Wold Architects & Engineers

The new facility will strengthen emergency response capabilities through a firefighter-focused design

Athens, Tenn. – Wold Architects and Engineers (Wold) recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the City of Athens Fire Station No. 3, marking a major milestone in a collaborative effort to strengthen the public safety needs of the city. City leaders, firefighters, community members and project partners gathered to commemorate the start of construction on the approximately 10,000-square-foot facility, which will expand response coverage in southeastern Athens and support the Athens Fire Department’s evolving operational needs.

Wold is providing architectural, interior design and engineering services for the city’s third fire station, working closely with Athens Fire Department personnel, city leadership and Athens Utilities Board throughout planning and design. The three-bay station puts firefighters at the center of the design, creating a facility tailored to the demands of their daily work. It will include dedicated apparatus and decontamination areas, individual sleeping rooms, private restrooms and showers, administrative offices, a training and fitness room, a shared kitchen and dayroom and outdoor support spaces that enhance operations.

“Fire stations are some of the hardest-working buildings a community owns, so every design decision has to earn its place,” said Beth Meadows, government practice leader with Wold. “Our goal is to create a facility that supports firefighters from the moment they arrive for a shift, through their response to an emergency and when they return, with spaces that support proper decontamination and help keep carcinogens out of their living areas. By creating a cleaner, healthier environment for firefighters while they’re on shift, we’re supporting their well-being and giving the City the flexibility to adapt as its needs evolve.”

Months of user engagement, operational planning and input from key stakeholders helped shape everything from the station’s overall layout to the detailed functional requirements that will support efficient emergency response, firefighter health and future growth. 

“This groundbreaking represents an investment in the firefighters who serve this community every day and in the residents who count on them when they need it most,” commented Athens Fire Chief Brandon Ainsworth. “Fire Station No. 3 is designed to strengthen our department’s capabilities while prioritizing the health, safety and well-being of the people behind every response. By giving our expanded team the right spaces and resources to work, train and recharge, we’re better equipped to serve our community.”

“This facility is an important investment in the safety of our community and in the firefighters who serve Athens every day,” said Mayor Larry Eaton. “We worked closely with the project team to prioritize the things that matter most, making thoughtful decisions about how we invest taxpayer resources while creating a station that will serve Athens well for years to come.”

The new fire station is designed to provide clear operational zoning while incorporating the City’s standards for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, information technology and emergency systems. The project also emphasizes efficient circulation, durable materials and flexible spaces.

“Bringing Fire Station 3 from vision to reality is the result of a strong partnership and shared commitment to the Athens community,” shared Bridget Roberts, Interim City Manager. “We’ve been able to turn a community priority into a facility that reflects the needs of our firefighters and the people they serve. We’re proud to take this next step and invest in the future of public safety.”

Construction is now underway and expected to complete in spring of 2027. Wold will continue partnering with the City throughout construction as Fire Station No. 3 moves from design to reality, creating a modern facility that supports firefighter wellness, operational efficiency and the City’s long-term public safety goals.

About Wold Architects & Engineers 

Wold Architects & Engineers is a nationally recognized planning, architecture and engineering firm specializing in community-centered facilities, including healthcare, education and public-sector projects. With seven offices across Tennessee, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota, Wold partners with communities nationwide to design spaces that support learning, healing and civic life. Wold ranks 25th nationally in Building Design + Construction’s 2025 Giants 400 Report for Top 100 Architecture Engineering Firms. To learn more, please visit woldae.com.