Awards: NAIOP MD Award of Excellence for Best Renovation 2022

Fireline Corporation, a provider of fire protection services, has been a family-owned business serving the Mid-Atlantic region since 1947. Arium provided full architecture and MEP engineering design services for this phased project involving a complete interior demolition and renovation of multiple industrial buildings, including the conversion to open administrative offices and training rooms.

Arium utilized an adaptive reuse strategy and conceived a cost-effective and environmentally responsible approach. The largest of the buildings was originally an industrial shop, and over the years, offices were added. Most recently, all industrial shop spaces were removed, and the entire building was converted to Fireline’s main office space. The other buildings are now used as administrative spaces, with one building serving as a training center and assembly room.

Fireline’s brand is emphasized through bold pops of red in paint, furniture, millwork, flooring, and lighting fixtures. In contrast, in grey muted tones, a mural comprised of historic company photos celebrates its history. The reception area reinforces the design through the contemporary use of red and gray acoustic tile, while the breakroom provides a respite with a red backsplash and woodgrain finishes. A dynamic red accent ceiling with layered pendant lights and a white quartz waterfall edge countertop completes the space. The branded campus buildings provide wayfinding and create a significant street presence.

“All members of the project communicated very well. Not only did they keep me informed every step of the way, but they worked together to get quick resolution on every hurdle. A renovation like this can be incredibly stressful, and yet we managed to get through it with minimal disruption to company operations.” – Anna Gavin, President, Fireline Corporation

Photos: Alain Jaramillo