Fire Station No. 8 is a modern 16,000-square-foot facility designed to improve emergency response in the city’s growing southeast neighborhoods. Situated at 17th and Van Dorn Streets, the station is a highly visible investment in public safety and community well-being.

Schemmer’s Involvement

Working in close collaboration with BRW Architects and the City of Lincoln, Schemmer provided comprehensive architecture and engineering support throughout the life of the project. Our team led and supported key efforts including:

• Project management and coordination

• Public engagement and presentations

• Code compliance and permitting

• Contractor selection assistance

• Engineering services:

  • Mechanical

  • Electrical

  • Structural

  • Civil

  • Geotechnical

“Designing for evolving firefighter needs, including advanced equipment and processes, was a great but rewarding challenge.”
— Michael Sinclair, Project Manager, Schemmer

Design Approach

The vision behind Fire Station No. 8 was clear from the start: create a facility that not only supports efficient emergency response but also fosters comfort, connection, and resilience among the firefighters who live and work there.

• Strategic Location: Improves response times and coverage for Southeast Lincoln.

• Neighborhood Integration: The station’s scale, massing, and material palette were carefully chosen to complement its residential surroundings. A distinctive brick “8” on the corner tower adds visual character.

• Built for Today and Tomorrow: Designed to accommodate modern equipment and evolving protocols, with a layout that supports fast deployment and operational safety.

• A Place to Call Home: Comfortable living quarters, shared dining areas, fitness space, and training rooms create a welcoming, functional environment for Lincoln Fire & Rescue crews.

“We live together. We train together. We celebrate and mourn together. Having a place that reflects that life means more than most people realize.”
— Captain Adam Schrunk, Lincoln Fire & Rescue

Community Engagement

From the earliest planning stages, Schemmer worked with the City and neighborhood stakeholders to ensure the station felt like part of the community. The result is a facility that’s not just operationally efficient, but also rooted in the character and values of the neighborhood it serves.

A Long-Term Investment in Public Safety

Fire Station No. 8 reflects Lincoln’s long-term commitment to strengthening public safety infrastructure. Schemmer is proud to have played a role in bringing this vision to life—delivering a facility that supports first responders while contributing to a safer, stronger, and more connected city.