Wake County commissions approve schematic designs for new EMS station on Noble Road

The Wake County Board of Commissioners convened on April 21, 2025, to review and approve the schematic design for the new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Station No. 2, located at 2020 Noble Road in Raleigh. The current station, built in 1978, will be demolished and replaced with a modern facility designed to better serve the community's needs.

Tommy Moorman, senior project manager with Wake County Facilities Design and Construction, presented the project details, highlighting the station's increased size from 1,700 square feet to 4,400 square feet. This expansion will allow for improved operational capacity, accommodating at least four staff members and three emergency vehicles. The new design includes a larger vehicle bay, enhanced living areas, and modern amenities aimed at improving staff wellness and operational efficiency.

Architect Eric Sowers from SC Architects outlined the sustainable features of the new station, which will incorporate environmentally friendly materials and technologies. The building will feature high-performance windows, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and solar panels expected to generate up to 30 kW of power annually. The design also emphasizes aesthetics, with a brick exterior and architectural elements that blend with the surrounding residential character.

Community engagement has been a priority throughout the planning process. Moorman reported that feedback from a virtual open house indicated concerns primarily related to operational noise from emergency vehicles. The design team has taken steps to mitigate this by using insulated overhead doors and relocating the emergency generator to reduce sound impact.

The Board of Commissioners expressed support for the project, with several members praising the thoughtful design and community considerations. The project is on track to complete design by early summer, with construction anticipated to begin in the fall and conclude by the end of 2026.

The approval of the schematic design marks a significant step forward in enhancing public safety infrastructure in Wake County, ensuring that EMS services can effectively meet the demands of the growing community.