Groundbreaking to Reopen Downtown Fire Station 1

Bloomington, Indiana – On Friday, the downtown Fire Station 1, located at 300 E 4th St., will officially begin undergoing a massive overhaul. The $29.5 million in Economic Development Local Income Tax Bonds that the City approved and sold early this year are financing the first of four Public Safety projects. By October 2024, construction is expected to be finished for $4.5 million.

Fire Station 1, the former Bloomington Fire Department (BFD) headquarters, sustained damage after a significant flood in June 2021 when the whole basement and a piece of the first floor were filled with water. Beyond typical water damage, the building’s vital communications and infrastructure systems in the basement were destroyed, making it unusable. After a thorough feasibility assessment and consideration of other possible locations, it was determined that, if the flooding reasons were addressed, the current site would be the most economical.

“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.”

According to the current remodeling plan, the basement will be filled in and removed, all building systems will be moved to a safer location, the structure will be brought up to current fire station design standards, and the firemen will work in a more welcoming environment. Furthermore, the acquisition and renovation of the Showers West building, the second significant bond-funded project, will eliminate the fire administrative offices from Station 1 and house all fire administration offices and police administrators in Showers West and City Hall. This will facilitate improved coordination between public safety agencies and the city government at large, as well as convenient public access.

“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.”

BFD intends to hold a Grand Re-Opening Ceremony after the building is finished, inviting the public to witness their investment in their fire service.