The principal functional challenge of this project was the length and narrowness of the site, in that the program required both a traditional 3-bay fire station and administrative/plan check offices for public use.

The design leverages the full length of the site to make a continuous urban statement of civic presence to Santa Anita Boulevard and Arcadia's long central park across the street, using basic proportions, cadence of structure and glazing, and focused copper trim to accent a very basic smooth finish plaster building.