In the heart of Zócalo Village, Tucson, AZ, a new retail space for Green Things – a specialty store offering handcrafted furniture, décor, and home accents from across Mexico – was under development. With its valuable inventory of handmade furniture, lighting, and home goods, the client required a reliable fire protection tank to safeguard its investment and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
SBS Tanks, in partnership with Rainwater Equipment, delivered a NFPA 22-compliant fire protection water tank, designed and engineered with seismic considerations specific to the Tucson region. The tank chosen for this project was a CY05R03 model with a storage capacity of 7,640 gallons, perfectly suited to support the fire suppression needs of the retail facility.
One of the most critical requirements for this project was seismic design compliance. Tucson, located in a seismically active region, required that the fire protection tank meet stringent engineering standards to ensure safety, stability, and long-term performance.
When engineering for seismic resilience, several factors must be considered beyond simply accounting for water movement within the tank. These include:
• Site-Related Conditions: Assessing liquefaction risk, ground motion amplification, and soil stability to ensure the foundation is designed to withstand seismic loads.
• Foundation Design: Building a reinforced, stable base capable of resisting uplift, sliding, and differential settlement during an earthquake.
• Tank Geometry & Fluid Interaction: Accounting for the way water mass shifts and sloshes during seismic activity, which directly influences structural stresses.
• Structural Integrity & Ductility: Using ductile, high-strength materials and connections that can absorb seismic energy and prevent catastrophic failure.
• Anchorage & Connections: Ensuring robust anchoring systems and flexible structural connections between tank walls, roof, and base to accommodate seismic movement.
At SBS Tanks, our in-house engineering department is trained and experienced in developing seismic designs that address these complex factors. Our engineers provide detailed design calculations, structural reinforcements, and anchorage systems where required, all aligned with NFPA 22 fire protection standards. Every seismic design is reviewed by our inhouse expert engineers and then signed off by state licensed professional engineer who reviews the modifications against state requirements, thus providing clients with complete confidence in compliance and safety.
By integrating seismic considerations into the early design phase, SBS Tanks ensured the Green Things project was fully compliant, structurally sound, and capable of withstanding the unique seismic risks of the Tucson area. This proactive approach allowed the project to move forward with confidence, safeguarding both the client’s investment and their long-term operations.
The construction process began with the contractor casting the reinforced concrete ring beam foundation in line with SBS specifications. This was ready by the first day of installation. The SBS installation team then assembled the tank ring by ring, securing galvanized steel panels, fitting the high-performance internal liner, and installing the roof structure. Every step was carried out under strict quality assurance procedures, ensuring both structural integrity and watertight performance. Once complete, the tank was thoroughly tested, commissioned, and handed over to the client.
SBS Tanks’ commitment to quality was evident throughout the project. The tank was manufactured in an ISO 9001 & ISO 45001-accredited facility, shipped to site, and installed by professional crews. The result was a fully NFPA 22-compliant fire protection tank, built to the highest standards of safety, performance, and reliability. If you’re looking for a fire tank, view the rest of our tank range here.
The tank installation was completed on schedule, without delays or challenges. Both the contractor and the end-user expressed their satisfaction with the:
• Professionalism of the SBS installation team.
• Efficiency of the build process.
• Aesthetically pleasing design of the finished tank, which complements the retail development.
For Green Things, this installation ensures business continuity and fire protection compliance. Their valuable inventory, including handcrafted furniture from San Miguel De Allende, Mexico, is now safeguarded against fire risk.
For the local community, the project represents a commitment to safety and resilience, with the tank providing long-term fire protection for one of Zócalo Village’s newest retail spaces. Go check out their exquisite home décor products here and view the incredible Westernborg Art Collection here.
The successful completion of this project highlights SBS Tanks’ ability to deliver custom-engineered fire protection water storage solutions in commercial environments with specialized requirements, such as seismic design compliance.
With this installation, SBS Tanks has once again demonstrated its commitment to quality, safety, and client satisfaction, ensuring Green Things’ retail space is protected today and for years to come.
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SBS Tanks® is a leading manufacturer and supplier of modular steel panel water storage tanks fitted with an internal liquid storage liner. SBS Tanks USA, our office in the United States, services the USA, The Caribbean and Central and South America market directly from Conroe, Texas. With ISO accreditation (ISO 45001 and ISO 9001), collaborating with a trusted supplier like SBS Tanks USA, can offer professional advice and a variety of premium tank alternatives to satisfy your various commercial needs.
Contact Brian or Allan today and simply Request a quote here.
Client: Jackie Westernborg at Green Things – Zócalo Village
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Sector: Retail / Commercial Fire Protection
Tank Model: CY05R03 – 7,640 gallons
Key Features: NFPA 22 compliant, seismic design, ISO-certified manufacturing
Outcome: Tank installed safely and efficiently; full client satisfaction; valuable inventory protected.
© SBS Holdings 2026
