Carmel Clay Community Building - Carmel Fire Department Headquarters and Museum

All Projects Government Fire Stations

Project Vision & Impact

The 42,125 sf Carmel‑Clay Community Building serves as a bold fusion of administrative operations and public-serving space, strategically positioned adjacent to downtown Carmel and directly connecting with the Monon Trail and city pathways.

Given its prominent location, the building’s design carefully mirrors historic architectural cues from Carmel’s first fire station, integrating seamlessly into the community fabric.

Features & Public Experience

  • Fire Buffs Museum: Located on the first floor, this museum commemorates the Carmel Fire Department’s history with authentic apparatus and exhibits. It also hosts fire-safety programs for children, incorporating design nods to the original fire station structure.
  • S.A.F.E. Exhibit: The Stay Alive Family Education (S.A.F.E.) House is a state‑of‑the‑art interactive learning experience. Developed with advanced audio/visual technology, it immerses children in realistic fire-safety simulations, set within a miniature “townscape” backdrop where parents can observe and engage.
  • Administrative Offices: The second floor now serves as the Carmel Fire Department’s new headquarters, improving workflow and space utilization. This relocation allowed parallel renovation of Station 341, helping ensure continuous fire response capability during the projects.
  • Community Spaces: The upper two levels feature a flexible event zone. The third floor offers a foyer, full kitchen, restrooms, and a large meeting hall available for fire department, municipal, or public events. The fourth-floor rooftop terrace provides sweeping views of downtown Carmel—ideal for receptions, civic gatherings, and memorable celebrations.


Envoy’s Role in Delivery

As the Construction Manager, Envoy, Inc. provided end-to-end oversight from early development and coordination through construction and delivery. Representing Clay Township and the City of Carmel, Envoy managed scheduling, budgeting, and logistical coordination, aligning with DLZ’s architectural vision while ensuring project continuity and cost efficiency.

With a history of over $2 billion in regional construction projects—and deep expertise delivering public/private collaborations, Envoy brought transparency, accountability, and stakeholder collaboration to every phase.

Envoy's track record includes multiple fire station and public safety developments across Indiana industries, where on-time, on-budget delivery is paramount.

Why It Matters

The Carmel‑Clay Community Building represents a milestone in merging public service functions with civic engagement:

  • Educational Outreach: By combining museum space and immersive S.A.F.E. programming, the facility elevates fire-safety education across age groups.
  • Functional Design: Modern administrative areas centralize operations and free up space for future renovation at alternate fire stations.
  • Community Integration: Rooftop terraces, event-ready meeting halls, and accessible placement within Carmel’s pedestrian network ensure the building serves both institutional and public functions.


Thanks to the partnership between DLZ’s architectural expertise and Envoy’s delivery leadership, the Carmel‑Clay Community Building stands as a best-in-class example of how thoughtful design and meticulous project management can produce spaces that both serve and inspire a community.