The last piece of equipment was officially removed from Huntsville Fire Station #2 on Friday, July 12, in preparation of demolition to begin construction of a new station. Bond Proposition #1 was passed in 2016 for the construction of new public safety facilities, including a police station and fire station, not to exceed $31 million.

Fire Station #2, located at 2109 Sam Houston Avenue, was built in 1938 under the Works Progress Administration (WPA). WPA is an initiative to employ millions of job-seekers across the nation, and the building at 2109 Sam Houston Ave has served the citizens of Huntsville for over 80 years. This service came to an end Friday afternoon as the last fire apparatus was relocated and the Huntsville Fire Department (HFD) Station # 2 closed its doors.

“Originally the building was constructed as a locker and shower facility for the city swimming pool,” said HFD Captain Darren Parker. “The pool was just feet in front of the building where the current apparatus bay sits. This site was also home to the city pool until 1950 when it closed.”

Officials with Sam Houston State University used the facility as a storage warehouse for the next 20 years.

“In 1970, the Huntsville Volunteer Fire Department took over the facility and renovated the building to serve as the second fire station in the city. The locker and shower facilities were modified into office spaces, a training room, dayroom, and sleeping quarters,” Capt. Parker said. “The bay was installed over the top of the old swimming pool and has housed various types of equipment.”

Fire Station # 2 has served as the central station and unofficial headquarters of HFD for many years now due to its location and space.

“After being remodeled several times to accommodate a growing fire department, the facility has outlived its useful life,” Capt. Parker said. “The passing of Proposition 1 by the citizens of Huntsville has provided the funding and led the way to the revitalization of this property.”

The closure is temporary, and the new fire station will be built in its place and is projected to be completed by the end of 2020.

Capt. Parker added that the equipment and crews have been relocated to other stations and placed to provide the best services possible during this construction period.

If you need HFD services such as burning permits or reports, you can visit Fire Station #4, located at 1619 State Highway 30 East or Fire Station #1, located at 1987 Veterans Memorial Parkway. For more information, call 936-291-3047.