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Fire Sale: Empty Firehouses Up for Grabs Across the City

April 12, 2013 7:29am | By Benjamin Woodard, DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

ROGERS PARK — All across the city, 11 fire stations that are currently unoccupied are set to be put up for sale by city officials. According to them, two of these old firehouses can be found on the Far North Side: one located at 5714 N. Ridge Blvd. in Edgewater and the other at 1723 W. Greenleaf Ave. in Rogers Park.

“The city owns several police and fire stations that are no longer being used for public safety services and are now open for potential redevelopment,” explained Peter Strazzabosco, a deputy commissioner at the Department of Housing and Economic Development.

Strazzabosco mentioned that the zoning regulations for each property differ, but any reasonable development plan could be considered by the city, whether it’s turning it into a restaurant or an office space for a nonprofit group.

“There’s definitely a lot of interest in the city’s empty police and fire stations,” he added. “These places hold great potential.”

Alderman Joe Moore (49th Ward) informed his constituents via email that he’d been collaborating with Mayor Rahm Emanuel to find a purpose for the Greenleaf Avenue firehouse that would best serve the local area.

Strazzabosco noted that there was significant interest in the firehouse, which has remained empty since 2009 after the firefighters relocated to a newer station on Clark Street.

The city valued the structure and land at $250,000. Moore stated that the land is zoned for residential use but would be open to considering a zoning change if the project benefits the community.

At one point, the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society considered moving into the firehouse, but they concluded that restoring the building would be too costly.

The bidding deadline for this property is 4 p.m. on May 8.

The firehouse on Ridge Boulevard, which is a Chicago Landmark, was constructed in 1928 and features terra cotta details. The land, building, and adjacent parking lot were appraised at $350,000 and are zoned for small-scale retail developments.

Strazzabosco mentioned that the city would start accepting bids for this property next week.

It's worth noting that any sale of city property requires approval from the City Council.

In Bronzeville, the City Council is nearing an agreement to lease a vacant firehouse for $1 for 10 years, intended to house a museum dedicated to African-American firefighters.

Other firehouses have already been sold; for instance, one near the Damen Brown Line “L” stop is being transformed into a single-family home, according to Strazzabosco.

Several firehouses on the south side, along with other historical buildings, are listed on the city’s official website.

Moore said his zoning and land use advisory committee would evaluate proposals for the Greenleaf Avenue firehouse.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the various ideas for the future of this location with all of you,” he told his constituents.

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