News
- Mitchell Associates is proud to announce that we will be working with the Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company in Pennsylvania. The Company wishes to build a modern facility and wants to determine which is better, renovations and additions to the existing station or building new. Included in the task will be a site assessment, review of the existing facilities, and detailed schematic designs based on the findings. This essential process allows the fire company to make realistic, cost effective decisions about renovation versus new construction. It also provides a long term plan to allow the company to serve the community and meet evolving standards.
- Mitchell Associates is excited that the proposed design of the Putnam Valley Fire Department was featured in the July issue of Fire Chief Magazine's Station Style On-Line. In an article by Fire Chief's editorial director, Janet Wilmoth, the proposed design for the Putnam Valley, New York, fire station is described in terms of potential energy savings and the importance of local support.
- As part of the 2011 Station Style Conference held in Kansas City in April, Bob presented a program on Renovation entitled The Design Process: Renovate or Build New. While at the Conference, Bob also shared his insights on value versus costs when thinking about renovation in a Podcast Interview with Fire Chief's Editorial Director Janet Wilmoth. Highlights of the Podcast include reasons to choose renovation, looking out for hidden costs, and operating from your facility while it's undergoing renovation. We have illustrated the podcast with images from some of our renovation projects here.
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The City Council of Peekskill, NY, has approved plans to seek LEED accreditation for their new Central Fire Headquarters designed by Mitchell Associates. We are excited to be spearheading the design and construction of a fire station that meets and exceeds modern standards of functionality and sustainability. Click here to see a rendering of the planned station.
- One Big Happy Family Article
Fire Chief Magazine has published an article, “One Big Happy Family”, co-authored by Bob Mitchell and Timothy Hutchings, former Chief of the Hudson Fire Department. The article tells the story of the consolidation of five long-established, independent fire companies in the city of Hudson, NY, and how that consolidation shaped the design of the city’s renovated, modern fire station. Click here to read the article on Fire Chief’s website. Click here to see pictures of the Hudson Fire Station.
- Presentation at Station Style Conference
Bob Mitchell will be giving a talk entitled “The Design Process for Renovations and Additions to a Fire Station: Should you Renovate, or Build New?” at the 2011 Station Style Conference in Kansas City. The hour-long presentation is scheduled for 3 pm on Tuesday, April 12, and will introduce participants to the fundamentals of renovation design.
- Peter Signorelli joins Mitchell Associates
Mitchell Associates welcomed Peter Signorelli, AIA, LEED AP, toward the end of 2010. Pete brings with him over 30 years of experience in public and municipal design and construction. He has also undergone the advanced training required to become an Accredited Professional by the US Green Building Council. We’re glad to have him.
- Our new office is almost ready!
In 2008, Mitchell Associates undertook the project of renovating an area of Bob Mitchell’s 150 year-old barn into the company’s new offices. We’re excited to grow into a new office, and we’re especially pleased that this project will result in the preservation of this historic barn.
- Mitchell Associates works closely as a consultant to Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc., an architecture and engineering firm with offices in New Briton, CT and Foxborough, MA. Kaestle Boos is a nationally recognized designer of police stations, having completed more than 60. We are excited to be teaming with them in the design of public safety facilities. Recently completed collaborative projects include (click each name to see pictures):
-Holden, Massachusetts
-Granby, Massachusetts
-Nantucket, Massachusetts
- Scarborough Fire Station
Engine Company 92 in the Village of Briarcliff Manor, NY has moved into their new station. Click here to see the Scarborough Fire Station, which received a Notable Design recognition from Fire Chief Magazine.
- The International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Foundation has published Fire Station: Architectural Insight to Planning, Design & Construction. Bob Mitchell contributed to this manual by authoring Chapter 11: Renovations and Additions. The chapter, which highlights our expertise in this area, details the reasons to choose renovation/addition over new construction as well as the various steps in the process. Click here to order your copy today.
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The Hudson fire station is featured in a new documentary film being
aired on the History channel. The movie, “Into the Fire,” is by
Academy Award winning director, Bill Couturie.
Click here for preview!
Bob Mitchell made two presentations at Firehouse Expo. The topics were "The Design Program: The Most Important Step in Creating Your New Fire Station", and "The Bond Vote: Maximizing Your Chances for Success". He will be presenting "The Design and Construction of Your Fire Station: How to go From an Idea to a Completed Building", at the annual meetings of the New York State Association of Fire Districts and Fire Chiefs."
