Chicago Mayor Lightfoot, CFD and PBC Break Ground on New State-of-the-Art Fire Station on Far South Side

CHICAGO, Illinois, Nov. 15 -- Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued the following news release:

* * *

- $30-million project to build second-largest fire station in the city to support nearly 100 full-time jobs

* * *

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today joined the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) and the Public Building Commission of Chicago (PBC) to break ground on a new state-of-the-art facility for the Engine Company 115 fire station in Chicago's West Pullman neighborhood. Building on the city's continued efforts to provide the latest tools, technology, and training for first responders, the new facility will be the second-largest fire station in the city, housing a CFD District Office, an Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) radio communication tower, and three ambulances.

"From running into burning buildings to coming to our rescue in a time of need, Chicago's firefighters and paramedics are nothing short of superheroes and they deserve nothing more than state-of-the-art resources and equipment to keep our residents safe," said Mayor Lightfoot. "Today represents more than an investment in public safety infrastructure, but also an investment to stimulate growth and new jobs for our south side communities."

With sleeping quarters, locker rooms, a workout facility, full-service kitchen with pantry and dining area and a laundry room, the 27,000-square-foot, single-story fire station will be a home-away-from-home for approximately 20 firefighters/EMTs and eight officers. Additionally, the facility will also feature a state-of-the-art emergency communication hub, watchtower, open office spaces and a 4-bay apparatus room with a hose drying tower.

"The West Pullman community and the department members who will staff this house will reap the benefits of a world-class facility", said Fire Commissioner Richard C. Ford II. "This brand-new firehouse will allow the Chicago Fire Department to more efficiently serve the residents, business owners, and visitors of the South and South East sides of Chicago."

Managed by the PBC, the design and construction of the project will be led by the minority-led firm, UJAMAA/Trice Joint Venture. The $30 million project is expected to support 94 full-time jobs, at least half of which are required to be filled by local Chicago residents as part of the City's ongoing effort to build career opportunities for community members of a project's surrounding neighborhood areas, both in the construction trades as well as skilled and unskilled workers.

"This state-of-the-art fire station will not only represent a community anchor for West Pullman residents, it will ensure Chicago's firefighters are better equipped to serve those who live and work in this neighborhood," said Alderman Carrie Austin. "I look forward to cutting this ribbon and making this vision for our community a reality."

"This modernly designed space will embody the 'spirit of service' of each man and woman who serves as a firefighter or first responder and provide them with the necessary facility to fulfill their mission to promote fire safety, provide emergency care and extinguish fires," said Carina E. Sanchez, Executive Director of the Public Building Commission.

Anticipated to be open by summer 2020, the new fire station will be built on vacant land located at 119th Street and Morgan Street, replacing the existing Engine Company 115 located at 11940 South Peoria Street.