Construction of the new Fire Station No. 1 continues to progress steadily at its future home at 420 S. Ridgewood Ave., replacing the long-serving station at 301 S. Beach St., which operated for nearly a century.
Designed to improve emergency response times and enhance operational efficiency, the modern facility will bring administrative personnel under one roof and ensure continuity of service during severe weather. Key features include an 80-seat community room, which will double as the city’s primary Emergency Operations Center, and a higher-elevation site to reduce flooding risks.
A major milestone was recently reached with the installation of all 62 concrete wall panels. Additional significant progress includes the roof being poured and interior framing nearing completion on the first floor, with work underway on the second floor. Electrical and plumbing rough-ins are also in progress. In the coming weeks, crews will pour the slab in the apparatus bay and south building, complete the roof, and begin installing water lines and stormwater piping.
Nov. 19 marks the one-year anniversary of the station’s groundbreaking. Construction remains on schedule and within budget. The 31,000-square-foot facility’s exterior and roof are nearly complete, windows have been installed and mechanical, electrical and plumbing system work is ongoing. Upcoming site work includes grading for the retention pond and parking lot. Project status: 60% complete
Project value: $27,222,806
Anticipated completion: Spring 2026