City of Bradenton Fire Station #2

Celebrating a Legacy of Service with Our 50^th Community Project 

BGE is proud to be part of the award-winning team behind the City of Bradenton Fire Station #2, recipient of the Gold Award in the Public Buildings category by SRQ Magazine’s 2025 4WALLS Visionary Building Design Competition. This recognition celebrates not only excellence — but the power of infrastructure to serve and protect.  

At 15,930 square feet and two stories tall, the new station #2 is more than just a fire station — it’s a civic landmark. Designed by Fawley Bryant Architecture and built by Willis A. Smith Construction, the station pairs operational strength with architectural identity, featuring red-accented beacon towers, angular columns, and a curved roofline that welcomes the public while signaling urgency and readiness.  

BGE’s Engineering Expertise: Behind the Scenes 

As the civil engineer for this transformative project, BGE played a pivotal role in navigating complex permitting and infrastructure challenges: 

• Emergency Signal Design on SR 64: Coordinating with both the City and FDOT, BGE helped integrate emergency signal systems along SR 64 — a vital corridor linking I-75 to downtown Bradenton. This ensures rapid response time and public safety without compromising traffic flow. 

• Drainage Connection Permitting: The site’s infill nature required meticulous planning to connect to existing drainage systems. BGE’s team delivered solutions that balance stormwater management with long-term resilience. 

• Site Redevelopment: The project involved razing an existing structure and vacating an alley, demanding early coordination and risk assessment to ensure seamless execution.  

A Gateway to Safety and Service 

Nestled along SR 64, the city’s vital artery between I-75 and downtown, its location was no accident. It’s a launchpad for rapid response, cutting critical minutes off the clock when lives hang in the balance. But speed isn’t its only strength. Engineered with resilience at its core, the station features fortified materials, redundant power systems, and shaded outdoor zones that keep crews ready and protected — even when Florida’s weather turns fierce. 

Inside, the station is equipped to meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s growth: 

• Three drive-through apparatus bays for rapid deployment 

• Living quarters for six firefighters, with dedicated spaces for training and equipment storage 

• Resilient systems, including backup power and durable materials for storm readiness 

Voices of Leadership 

The heartbeat of Bradenton’s public safety strategy is embodied in Station 2 — a facility designed not just for today’s emergencies, but for tomorrow’s challenges. Fire Chief Tim Geer emphasized the station’s multifaceted mission: 

“Our new Station is designed to improve response times, support firefighter health and safety, and accommodate future growth. It stands as a testament to the City’s commitment to the community and its dedication to meeting the evolving demands for service.” 

Mayor Gene Brown echoed this sentiment with a forward-looking message rooted in service. “It’s about what you do to help others…We are going to have more projects coming because we are going to build to help our community.” His words reflect a broader civic philosophy — one that sees infrastructure not as concrete and steel, but as compassion in action.  

A Civic Commitment Realized 

This award is more than recognition; it’s a testament to BGE’s commitment to building infrastructure that elevates communities. We’re honored to have contributed to a facility that blends safety, service, and civic pride into one powerful symbol of Bradenton’s future. 

Conclusion

The success of Fire Station #2 stands as a powerful reminder that great design and engineering are about more than function—they’re about purpose. Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for community resilience, BGE and its partners helped create a facility that safeguards Bradenton’s residents while embodying the city’s spirit of service. As the region continues to grow, BGE remains committed to engineering solutions that not only meet the needs of today but also help shape safer, stronger communities for generations to come.  

For expert assistance with your projects, contact BGE today.