Breaking Ground at Firehouse 44
About
Samet and the City of Charlotte marked the start of construction on Firehouse 44 with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, October 8. The new station will serve the growing River District community.
A first for the Southeast
Firehouse 44 will be a two-story, three-bay station of about 14,000 square feet. It will also be the first firehouse in the Southeast built with mass timber, a material that cuts the building’s carbon footprint and gives the interior a warmer, more natural look.
Built for a growing neighborhood
As River District adds homes, roads, and businesses, the demand for fire, rescue, and emergency medical services grows with it. Fire Chief Reginald T. Johnson said the department’s job is to keep pace with the city’s growth so residents can count on the same level of response.
Designed to run on clean energy
The city is pursuing two certifications for the station: International Living Future Institute Zero Carbon Certification and LEED Gold. The all-electric building includes:
— Efficient systems: ENERGY STAR® equipment and low-flow water fixtures aimed at cutting potable water use by 43%
— Geothermal heating and cooling: a geothermal HVAC system and in-slab radiant heating in place of gas- and fuel-based systems, plus the city’s first geothermal water heater
— On-site solar: rooftop and ground-mounted photovoltaic panels sized to offset 100% of the building’s energy costs
Chief Sustainability & Resilience Officer Heather Bolick said the project shows what’s possible when city departments work toward a shared vision, and that Charlotte can meet its sustainability goals while serving residents.
Project team and next steps
Samet is delivering the $23.3 million project as design-builder, with ADW Architects providing architectural services. The station supports the city’s Sustainable Facilities Policy, Fire Facilities Master Plan, and Strategic Energy Action Plan Plus, and is designed for the demands of Charlotte Fire Department operations.
In the meantime, a temporary station has served the area since early 2026. It sits next to the permanent site on Dixie River Road and includes a triple-wide trailer for crew quarters and a pre-engineered building for the fire engine and equipment.
To learn more, visit the Firehouse 44 project page or watch the groundbreaking ceremony on YouTube.
