Architects were in continuous contact with the fire department, Rescue 2’s captain and his team. They spent a full day at the squat, two-story antiquated Bergen Street rescue center, which the company would be vacating. The architects even went out on a call with the firefighters.

Rescue 2 Captain Liam Flaherty said that since he became a firefighter 27 years ago, tools and training have drastically evolved. “It’s gone 360 degrees in every direction,” he said. “There are always new tools — hazmat suits for chemical, biological and radiological emergencies. Flood rescues involving swift water. And terrorist strikes.”

Rescue crews in cramped quarters make the best of what they’ve got. In Brooklyn, they rappel off the storage containers outside the old firehouse that hold the overflow of equipment. “They do whatever they can to accomplish their task and continue with their training,” said Chester Onuma, deputy director of the Fire Unit for the city’s Department of Design and Construction, who worked on the project.

“But we’re bursting at the seams,” said Captain Flaherty, pointing up to tools stored near the ceiling. “I could fill this firehouse with our scuba equipment alone.” Because space is so tight, Ladder Company 132, over a mile away, keeps Rescue 2’s collapse equipment rig, and has to bring it to calls when Rescue 2 needs it.