Galveston County was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ike, exposing deficiencies in emergency services. As part of the rebuilding effort, the County was provided funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In Texas, the program was administered by the Texas Department of Rural Affairs (TDRA). In total, approximately $9 million was distributed to the county for design and construction of multiple fire and EMS facilities in the communities of Crystal Beach and San Leon. All of the projects required special design considerations due to coastal proximity. All of the facilities are designed to withstand hurricane-force winds and be capable of remaining in service under hurricane conditions. The team also coordinated with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) with regard to wetlands construction.

Crystal Beach Fire & EMS Facility

This project included a new, large fire/EMS facility with separate living quarters for personnel. This six-bay, double-depth, 12,000 SF facility featured pull-through design, equipment storage, full kitchen, a community room, office space, and 36-hour generator backup for the facility. LAN provided MEP and fire protection review and design services.

San Leon Fire & EMS Facility

This project was a volunteer fire department and EMS facility located in the community of San Leon. A finish-out of a metal building erected by volunteer fire department after Hurricane Ike, it included numerous offices, a community room, and shower spaces. The build-out required review of and compliance with all existing municipal and state regulations. LAN provided architectural (interiors), civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems design for the interior of the facility, which included temporary living quarters and heavy equipment storage and maintenance.