COLUMBUS, Ohio — As a part of Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther's capital budget, an old fire station will become the center of the Franklinton community.
Before the new Station 10 was finished in 2008, it was the oldest fire station in the city. Now, the historic building will get a new purpose.
“To help us increase public safety and build relationships between the community and safety is the renovation of old Fire Station 10 here,” Ginther explained.
The building has served as a storage facility since the new fire station opened next door in 2008.
Ginther is planning a renovation to take the building from being used for public safety to being used for public service.
“The Department of Neighborhoods and Department of Public Safety have offices here. There will be a community space for gathering and have block watch meetings. We think it is a great way to continue to focus on neighborhood and community safety,” Ginther said.
The plan for the building was initially in the mayor's capital budget two years ago.
The city has already spent $700,000 on plans for the project.
The plan is to keep as much of the original design and charm as possible, replacing old bay doors with windows and keeping the historic staircase.
It will serve as a safe place for community members to gather, meet with city services they may need and improve the safety of the area.
“We think it is a great return on investment on a historic building in Columbus' oldest neighborhood and a place where the community, public safety and neighborhoods can come together to make this community and neighborhoods around it safer,” Ginther said.
The total cost of the project is just over $8 million. It is expected to be completed in the next year or two.