Groundbreaking to Reopen Downtown Fire Station 1

Today marks the official start of a major remodel of the downtown Fire Station 1, located at 300 E 4th St. This is the first of four Public Safety projects funded by the $29.5 million Economic Development Local Income Tax Bonds approved by City Council and issued by the City early this year. Construction is estimated to cost $4.5 million and be completed by October 2024.  

Following a major flood in June of 2021, Fire Station 1, formerly headquarters for the Bloomington Fire Department (BFD), was damaged when the entire basement and a portion of the first floor flooded. Beyond normal water damage, critical infrastructure and communications equipment located in the basement were destroyed and the building was rendered uninhabitable. Following an extensive feasibility study, reviewing other potential sites, the current site was deemed most cost effective if the causes of the flooding were corrected.

“We appreciate our professional, resilient, and innovative Fire Department personnel who have kept our city safe for more than two years from a temporary headquarters, said Mayor John Hamilton. We look forward to welcoming them back to an updated and improved downtown home.”

The current remodeling plan will remove and fill in the basement, move all critical building systems away from potential future harm, bring the building up to modern fire station design standards, and provide a more inclusive environment for the firefighters. In addition, the second major bond-funded project, acquiring and remodeling the Showers West building, will remove the fire administrative offices from Station 1 and co-locate all fire administration offices together, along with police administrators, in Showers West and City Hall to allow better coordination among public safety departments and with city government generally, as well as convenient access for the public. 

“Community investments of this magnitude are crucial to maintaining excellent fire and emergency service,” said Fire Chief Jason Moore. “I want to thank our firefighters who adapted to the temporary facility in order to maintain our mission. This newly upgraded facility will help them continue to serve our community with respect, integrity, and excellence.”

Upon completion of the facility, BFD plans to announce a Grand Re-Opening Ceremony that will invite the public in to see their investment in their fire department.