Former Fire Station: What’s Next for Athens’ Empty Building?
The old Athens Fire Department headquarters on Columbus Road sits vacant. But the city is now weighing its options. This prime piece of real estate is attracting the attention of city officials and local organizations, each with a vision for its future.
Option 1: Home for the Major Crimes Unit
One prominent contender is the Athens County Major Crimes Unit (MCU). This task force, comprising officers from various local law enforcement agencies, is seeking more space.
The current MCU facility, located at the Sheriff’s Office Equipment Facility on Sand Ridge Road, is proving insufficient. Sheriff Rodney Smith has expressed interest in utilizing the former fire station. This move would provide much-needed room for operations, storage, and potentially office space.
A key advantage for the MCU is the potential for cost-effectiveness. Since the building would continue to serve public safety purposes, significant renovations won’t be needed, says Service-Safety Director Andy Stone. The city anticipates using existing funds for necessary upgrades, which primarily involve converting firefighter living quarters into offices.
Option 2: Fueling Commercial Growth
Alternatively, the city is considering transferring the building to the Athens Community Improvement Corporation (CIC). This nonprofit, created to promote economic development, could then lease the building for commercial use.
CICs, established under Ohio law, have the authority to manage, build, and improve commercial properties. The Athens CIC was formed in 2022, joining the ranks of over 300 similar organizations in the state.
However, transitioning the building for commercial use presents challenges. According to city officials, significant renovations are required to bring the structure up to Ohio’s commercial building code standards. An architect’s evaluation estimated costs of $250,000-$300,000 for these upgrades, which include new flooring, electrical updates, HVAC repairs, and ADA compliance.
The city has spent a considerable amount of money on this building over the years. From 2005 to 2021, more than $500,000 went into maintaining the building’s structure.
Stone notes that the building’s past is one of structural woes. But now, after removing the heavy fire trucks from the second floor and installing new support walls and steel beams, those issues are less of a concern.
One potential tenant expressed interest in leasing the space. However, the rent associated with the proposed upgrades, property taxes, and insurance proved too much.
Given the financial hurdles, the Athens CIC deemed commercial use less viable at this time. As the city navigates these two main contenders, they must weigh the cost-effectiveness and community benefits of each option.
Pro Tip: When considering re-purposing any building, it’s essential to evaluate the total cost of ownership, including initial renovation expenses, ongoing maintenance, and potential tax liabilities.
What’s Next?
The city of Athens is at a crossroads. The decision of what to do with the former fire station will have far-reaching impacts.
The Major Crimes Unit could get a much-needed headquarters, improving law enforcement operations. Alternatively, the building could stimulate economic growth in the community, creating new business opportunities.
The city will continue to examine both options. The next few months will be important in determining the building’s fate and the future of this significant property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Athens County Major Crimes Unit?
A: A joint task force of law enforcement officers from multiple agencies that investigates major crimes.
Q: What is a Community Improvement Corporation (CIC)?
A: A private nonprofit that supports local economic development, often by managing or developing commercial properties.
Q: Why is the building needing so many repairs?
A: The former fire station was built on a hill. Over time, structural integrity suffered. Significant funds have been spent on support and upgrades.
Q: What will the future be for the building?
A: At this point, the city is choosing between giving the building to the MCU or the CIC. Decisions will be made in the coming months.
Did you know? Repurposing existing buildings is often more sustainable than constructing new ones, reducing environmental impact and preserving historical character.
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