Time is running out for preserving the yellow-painted firehouse with red bay doors, built in 1910.  

The Mayor’s Budget Review Committee on Monday approved spending $2.6 million to purchase the property where the empty firehouse stands, which would enable the city to extend Forest Street in a straight shot across Riverside Avenue toward the St. Johns River.

The City Council will take up the measure next. If the city follows through, the extension of Forest Street would result in demolition of the old firehouse unless an investor comes forward who is willing to move the old building somewhere else.