News Summary
The new Kendall Street Fire Station in Grand Rapids, Michigan, officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to serve the Third Ward for decades, enhancing public safety and emergency response times. Funded by an $8.1 million grant, the station includes modern amenities and is set to significantly improve service in the community. With a commitment to better response goals, the fire department aims to provide safety and engagement for families in the neighborhood.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – The new Kendall Street Fire Station officially opened to the public on Friday morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Located at 4044 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, this state-of-the-art facility covers an expansive 12,600 square feet and features two drive-through bays. Designed to serve the Third Ward for the next 75 to 100 years, the fire station aims to enhance public safety and improve emergency response times in the area.
The construction of the fire station was made possible by an $8.1 million grant from the State of Michigan. Integrated Architecture designed the building, while EV Construction managed the construction process. The station is staffed by a three-person crew on duty around the clock, supported by a total of 12 firefighters. The facility is set to address the ongoing challenges in meeting response goals in the neighborhood, where current response times have been reported to be less than 50% of the city’s target.
Equipped with modern amenities, the new fire station includes private dorm rooms, a kitchen and dining area, a fitness room, and a community meeting space. Notably, a traditional conference table has been crafted from timber sourced from a 140-year-old white oak tree that stood on the lot prior to construction, incorporating historical elements into the new facility.
Fire Department Enhancements
The new station is the first to be built in Grand Rapids in nearly four decades, with the last one having opened in 1987. Fire Chief Brad Brown emphasized the critical need for an updated fire station to improve service in the community, particularly in a region that has struggled to meet response goals. The new station is expected to significantly enhance emergency services in the Third Ward.
In addition to its operational capabilities, the fire department is set to feature in an upcoming episode of National Fire Radio’s podcast and video series. This appearance aims to showcase the positive atmosphere and camaraderie found within the Grand Rapids fire department, further emphasizing the community-focused approach of the new facility.
Construction and Future Intentions
Construction on the Kendall Street Fire Station began approximately two years ago, following an increase in staffing that occurred a year prior to the station’s opening. The fire department also utilized a custom fire engine built by HME Fire Trucks in Wyoming, at a cost of under $1 million. This combination of resources and improvements aims to provide enhanced public safety and peace of mind for families living in the neighborhood.
The Kendall Street Fire Station is now the city’s 12th fire station. As it begins operations, the facility is expected to not only improve response times but also serve as a hub for community engagement and fire service education, setting a foundation for future growth and service in Grand Rapids.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM13: Grand Rapids Fire Station Opening
- WOODTV: Sneak Peek of New Fire Station
- MLive: New Fire Station Construction
- FOX17: Grand Rapids New Firehouse Features Oak Table
- Firehouse: Cascade Township Fire Station Overview
- Wikipedia: Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Fire Department
- Google Scholar: Fire Stations Grand Rapids
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids
- Google News: Grand Rapids Fire Station
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
