Construction is underway on a civic project in Calgary that will put firefighters and library patrons under the same roof.

The $34.2-million Walden Fire Station and Library will combine two public services into a single building, marking the first project of its kind in Calgary. The city expects the project to be completed in 2028.

Located at 969 Walden Drive S.E., the facility will include a permanent, two-bay fire station and an approximately 1,022 m² (11,000 sf) public library.

HEREBY Architecture and hcma collaborated on the design, which uses a unified architectural form to connect the building’s two distinct functions.

A continuous brick exterior ties the facility together. Different patterns distinguish the library from the fire station, while the two programs gradually blend where they meet. A dynamic roofline also helps bring the different building functions together.

Inside, the library features a pinwheel-shaped layout with three wings dedicated to adult, teen, and children’s programming. A central skylight brings natural light into a shared seating area where the three sections converge.

Large openings at the ends of the library wings frame views of the surrounding neighbourhood. The design also incorporates connected gardens, outdoor rooms, and gathering spaces to extend the library experience beyond its walls.

The Walden Library will offer a broad range of traditional and digital library services. Visitors will have access to physical reading materials, desktop and laptop computers, public printing, and internet access. The facility will also include meeting and study rooms, as well as in-person programming and play opportunities.

Keeping emergency response operational

The construction team will maintain emergency services during construction of the permanent station. A temporary fire station already operates on the site. Crews will build the new facility alongside it, avoiding disruptions to local emergency response.

Once the permanent station opens, the temporary structure will be dismantled to make room for parking.

The project’s $34.2 million price tag includes provincial funding.