COLUMBIA, Tenn. (WKRN) — A piece of Columbia history has received new life after nearly 50 years.

Last week the city celebrated the grand reopening of Fire Station No. 1, which concluded a renovation and expansion of the facility. The work marked the most significant upgrade to the station since it was originally built in 1978.

City officials held a ribbon cutting, marking the culmination of a three-year, $5.17 million project. The ribbon cutting was attended by multiple city and even state officials, including Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance and State Fire Marshal Carter Lawrence,

“This project represents a meaningful investment in our city’s public safety infrastructure and the people who work every day to keep our community safe,” Mayor Chaz Molder said. “It’s more than a new look; it’s a renewed commitment to public safety, preparedness and service. It exemplifies our commitment to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to saving the lives of others, and it is a significant upgrade for our flagship fire station, which is a flagship fire department in the State of Tennessee.”

According to a spokesperson for the city, the planning for the upgraded South Garden Street station began in 2022, and construction broke ground in 2023.

“This renovation isn’t just about improving a building, it’s about investing in the safety and readiness of our firefighters and ensuring the public is served from a facility that’s as strong as the community it protects,” Columbia Fire Chief Chris Cummins said in a release.

The upgraded station includes a number of critical improvements aimed at enhancing both operational efficiency and the working conditions for first responders, according to the city.

The facility now features expanded east and west wings, allowing for increased square footage to support staff and equipment. It also includes separate male and female sleeping quarters, a new kitchen and firefighter lounge and dedicated administrative office space.

One of the most significant additions, per the city, is an Emergency Operations Center built to withstand up to an EF-4 tornado, which officials said will ensure continuity of operations during severe weather events. A new multi-functional training room has also been added, which can serve as an emergency shelter if needed.

To improve public accessibility, the station now has a repositioned entrance and expanded parking area, along with five apparatus bay doors to accommodate emergency vehicles, according to a release.

City Manager Tony Massey also emphasized the long-term value of the project, calling it part of the city's "continued commitment" to "essential infrastructure."

“The reopening of Fire Station No. 1 reflects our continued commitment to investing in essential infrastructure that supports the safety and well-being of our community,” Massey said.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tn-neighborhood-news/columbia-fire-station-renovations-expansion/