New Location Continues Station 19's Lasting Legacy

For over 40 years, Station 19 Architects resided in the old Station 19 firehouse in Minneapolis. Constructed in 1893, the building is a historic Minnesota landmark and has housed various businesses and companies over the years after it served as a firehouse from 1894-1976.

 This year, Station 19 Architects settled into a new location on the northwest edge of Minneapolis. No longer in their namesake’s building, an outsider might ask “Why would you move out of the building your company is named after?”

While the old firehouse has served Station 19 Architects well over the years, they found themselves at a point where the space was no longer serving them, and therefore no longer serving their clients. “Our clients are #1,” says Station 19 President Nicole Thompson. “What was a need became a priority. This space wasn’t working for us. It was where our brand was built, but it didn’t reflect who we are and how we serve our clients.”

When Station 19 begins working with their clients, they sit down with members of the ministry’s team and listen to who they are, what they’re about, and what their vision is for their ministry. The team then makes recommendations on the best way to move forward with their ministry space.

So, when Station 19 laid out their vision for 2022, it became clear that pursuing a new space was a vital part of serving their clients well. In the past, they had considered remodeling the firehouse space. They realized, however, that the overall access to their location was difficult for both staff and clients. Additionally, they were hidden within the greater Stadium Village area next to the Gopher’s Football Stadium and the University of Minnesota. Even if they were to remodel their space and stay in the area, the building was no longer serving their staff or their clients well.

It was time to move.

After touring several spaces, a space popped up that Nicole was hesitant to even look at. The location wasn’t what they were thinking. But once the team saw the space, there was no question that this was where they were meant to be. With good visibility for their brand, accessibility for their staff and clients, a move-in-ready space, and the bonus of a red front door - it was a no-brainer.

When asked if the firm will change their name, Nicole said,

“Our brand was built in that building, but it is not tied to that building. Just like we tell our clients, our building is just a tool to do ministry. Our brand is what we do, not the building we’re in.”

And what a brand they’ve built over the years. They have become the trusted architect for ministries in Minnesota and across the United States. Their goal is to partner in ministry with the churches, schools, camps, and non-profits they serve because the goal of multiplying God’s Kingdom is what unifies them. They’re more than just architects - they are ministry experts. They have guided more than 800 ministries to create spaces for change that reflect their mission, make an impact on the community, and bring value to their ministry.

The Station 19 Firehouse will not be forgotten. The architecture team wants to honor the legacy and brand that was built in their old space. “We’re hoping to create a legacy wall in our new space - a collage with pieces of the firehouse and the memories over the years.”

New Station 19 Location at 4181 Broadway Avenue W, Minneapolis, MN 55422