It's much larger than the old one, but by no means is it harder on the eyes.
Auburn-stained wood and green-painted trim blend a new firehouse into the hills of upper Kingsbury Grade.
"We've heard nothing but positive comments about it," said Tahoe-Douglas Fire Protection District Chief Tim Smith. "Hopefully we've improved the look of this community aesthetically and improved our ability to function."
The old structure, built in 1963 for the Kingsbury Fire Protection District, was bulldozed last April. The new building cost $1.2 million and first was used in early February. It has increased space for the district from about 2,500-square feet to 6,500.
On its second floor, the firehouse has four bedrooms to accommodate firefighters during their 48-hour shifts. The upper floor also houses a kitchen, gym, large den and dining/conference room. A fire pole sits next to the bedrooms for quick engine access on early morning calls.
Downstairs there are more than 3,000-square feet to house engines. The three-bay garage has 14-foot metal and glass doors tall enough to fit a ladder truck and three other engines.
"We think we've designed and built a building that will remain functional a minimum of 50 years," Smith said.
The Kingsbury firehouse is one of four stations that make up the Tahoe-Douglas district. Headquarters are at Round Hill. The other stations are at Zephyr Cove and Glenbrook.
Kingsbury Fire Protection District joined with Tahoe Fire Protection District on March 1, 1980.
The fire protection district will hold an open house for its new station at 11 a. m. June 11. Refreshments will be available, and firefighters plan to post a plaque on the building to commemorate it.