The first phase of the remodel will emphasize gender separation and firefighter health.
The remodel is "long overdue," Fire Chief Bob Sivak said. The building, constructed in the 1930, originally hosted City Hall as well as the fire and police departments. It became a dedicated fire station in 1981.
"When the new fire hall was built, it was provided with a dormitory environment for our firefighters at the time. But now, so much has changed," Sivak said. "We're a diverse fire department. We have both male and female firefighters. A dormitory type environment isn't necessarily the best."