PENN TOWNSHIP FIRE STATION #13

Penn Fire Station is located in Mishawaka, Indiana, and is one of the most unique fire stations in the area. Built in 2022, this fire station was designed to reflect the history and culture of Mishawaka while also incorporating modern elements to meet the needs of a growing community. The Penn Fire Station is a remarkable building with a rich history, unique design, and many fascinating features that make it stand out from other fire stations.

The Penn Fire Station is named after Penn Township, which has a storied history as a farm community. Mishawaka was a small town that grew quickly in the late 1800s due to its location on the St. Joseph River, which provided water for manufacturing and transportation. It wasn’t until the 1950s that a bridge would be built to combine the northern and southern parts of the township. Reports vary about what prompted the first fire station, but it is agreed that the impetus was an incident in which the nearest fire truck arrived after a fire had already put itself out. 

The Penn Fire Station was formed in 2003 to address a growing demand in the community. Due to the geographical constraints in Penn Township, the Fire Department was operating four smaller locations for the last half of the 20th century. This new facility marks a new beginning for the department - an ability to consolidate their efforts to better serve residents and property alike.

One of the most distinctive features of the Penn Fire Station is its tower, which rises dozens of feet above the ground. The tower is not only a unique architectural element but also serves a practical purpose. The tower contains a hose-drying tower, which allows firefighters to dry their hoses quickly and efficiently after use. Of course, it also provides a lookout point for firefighters, who can use it to survey the surrounding area and identify potential hazards.

The interior of the Penn Fire Station is also unique. The building’s design incorporates an open floor plan, which allows for better communication and collaboration among firefighters. The building’s living quarters are located on the second floor, and the first floor contains the garage, training rooms, and administrative offices. 

Living quarters like the ones at Penn are designed to provide firefighters with a comfortable and functional space to relax and recharge between calls.

Like an increasing amount of government buildings, Penn also incorporates several sustainable features, such as a green roof that helps to regulate the building’s temperature and reduce stormwater runoff. The building’s heating and cooling system is also designed to be energy-efficient, which helps to reduce the building’s carbon footprint and save on energy costs.