Demolition crews took down the century-old building Thursday. (Mike Platania photo)
The city’s oldest firehouse is on its way to becoming its newest.
Demolition started Thursday on Fire Station 12, a century-old building at Cary and Addison streets that’s being replaced with a new three-story structure.
The $13 million project has been in the works for over two years. Plans were approved in 2021, and a contract was awarded last year to Hopewell-based construction firm J.W. Enochs, which is also performing the demolition. The construction cost is estimated at $8.7 million, according to a project summary on the City of Richmond’s website.
Fire Station 12, pre-demo last week. (Jonathan Spiers photo)
At 13,400 square feet, the new building at 2223 W. Cary St. will be twice the size of its 6,300-square-foot predecessor, which was built in 1908. It has been recognized as the oldest firehouse still operating in Richmond.
The new building, designed by Moseley Architects, will include two fire truck bays and a smaller third bay. The building also will feature a mezzanine between the first and second stories and be able to accommodate as many as 109 people.
A rendering of the new Fire Station 12 to be built on the site. (City documents)
The station also will include a dayroom and fitness room, individual sleeping quarters, and restrooms and showers. Other features include a community room for activities and meetings. The building will be designed to minimum LEED Silver certification standards. Its exterior will also include an art feature.
Fire Station 12’s replacement is one of several planned by the city. Richmond’s proposed five-year Capital Improvement Plan includes $15 million to replace Fire Station 21 at 2505 Richmond Highway.
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