Sale process beginning for West Seattle’s historic Fire Station 37

That video’s from a tour of West Seattle’s historic Fire Station 37, part of a WSB story first published last February. We’re bringing it out again because word just arrived via e-mail that the process of selling the city-landmark facility has begun – as its replacement a few blocks south gets closer to completion. According to the informational note from the city, it’s a 5,300-square-foot building on a 9,400-square foot lot:

(February 2010 photo by Nicholas Trost)

* Fire Station No. 37 was constructed in the 1930’s and designated a landmark January 2005.
* The architectural style is considered Mission / Colonial Revival with Neo-Classical elements.
* Reuse of the building would need to comply with DPD requirements, L-1 zoning and preservation controls
* The disposition process may take in excess of eighteen months to complete
* Value of the property has not yet been determined but will be based on an independent appraisal.

The county assessor put the value at $295,000 most recently, the note says. First word of the impending sale process is going out to neighbors as well as those who’ve expressed interest before, and the city is asking for comments before making a recommendation to the City Council regarding the building’s future:

Comments are requested by August 13, 2010. You may write or send a fax with your comments to the Fleets and Facilities Department, Attn: Louis Webster, PO Box 94689, Seattle, WA 98124-4689; FAX number (206) 684-0525. You may call and speak with Louis Webster at (206) 684-0357, or reach him by e-mail at the following: Louis.Webster@seattle.gov.

You can also see the official flyer here.

27 Replies to "Sale process beginning for West Seattle's historic Fire Station 37"

  • xyz July 13, 2010 (3:30 pm)

    They should turn it into a Seattle Fire Department Museum with some old retired fire engines.

  • Chris July 13, 2010 (3:53 pm)

    I’m not familiar with the specifics of zoning law, would L1 allow the firehouse to be converted into a cafe or small restaurant?

  • cakeitseasy July 13, 2010 (4:02 pm)

    Oh Mercy! I think I might need to stop by and have that smokin’ fireman Jorge “check my blood pressure”. ;-)

  • Twiggie July 13, 2010 (4:04 pm)

    It would be a dream to live here!

  • onceachef July 13, 2010 (4:10 pm)

    A nice spot for a little neighborhood restaurant…call it Firehouse 37!

  • sam July 13, 2010 (4:14 pm)

    I don’t know Chris, but if it is, I think West Seattle is due for a top pot

  • Lynne July 13, 2010 (5:05 pm)

    Trader Joe’s!

    Kidding.

  • WS Steve July 13, 2010 (5:12 pm)

    How does DPD limit the owner in terms of modifying the building? Is it just about external appearance?

  • 35this35mph July 13, 2010 (6:46 pm)

    Maybe Tom LIn wants it?

    Sorry…

  • coffee July 13, 2010 (6:57 pm)

    WS Steve, I bet DPD couldn’t even answer that question! If you have ever had to work with them you would understand my comment….

  • bridge to somewhere July 13, 2010 (8:47 pm)

    Assessed at $295,000? That’s less than the county assessed my place at — and my place is 5 times smaller and in a less desirable neighborhood. That’s very odd . . .

  • miws July 13, 2010 (10:31 pm)

    If Wingdome wasn’t already committed to the former part of Capers’ space in the Junction, I think 37 would be a cool location for that type of business.

    .

    Downsides; doesn’t have near the foot traffic the Junction does, parking may be an issue.

    .

    Mike

  • Admiral gal July 13, 2010 (10:55 pm)

    COWORKING SPACE! The price is cheap enough that if some savyy commercial construction company came through the building could be made into a great coworking space for the numerous self-empoloyed types (my stir-crazy self included) I keep seeing at coffee shops around W. Seattle, who need a more focused place to meet deadlines while also interacting with other entrepreneurs. A coworking space would also allow for a great adaptive reuse of the space (vs. some teardown that removes its old character).

  • Westside July 13, 2010 (11:19 pm)

    There is plenty of on street parking to support a small restaurant/bar. In my mind this would be an ideal use for this great building because many folks could enjoy it.

  • Tom July 13, 2010 (11:32 pm)

    Please please bring a decent restaurant to the top of this hill! Even an un-decent restaurant! Anything!

  • Gini Johnson July 14, 2010 (3:08 am)

    I would love a restaurant with a bar. A winery would be cool too! The assessed value seems very low to me.

  • miws July 14, 2010 (5:56 am)

    “Even an un-decent restaurant!”

    .

    Hooters? :P

    .

    Mike

  • sun*e July 14, 2010 (8:31 am)

    @cakeitseasy: I’m with ya on that one… get in line! ;)

  • Cheri July 14, 2010 (9:25 am)

    wow i have lived in west seattle since i was born in 1985 and i always wondered what it looked like in there! i cant wait to show this to my hubby! Thanks for sharing!

  • Twiggie July 14, 2010 (12:24 pm)

    I have to be honest I really want to buy it and live in it as my home. Can you imagine telling everyone you live in a historic firestation! How cool would that be? But I am sure it would sell for far over the 295K assessment, alas I can always dream.

  • sarelly July 14, 2010 (1:17 pm)

    Yup, Twiggie, it would make a beautiful home. Or an art gallery.

  • Laurie July 14, 2010 (5:25 pm)

    I have a ghostbusting business that needs a home…

  • grr July 14, 2010 (9:14 pm)

    lol@Laurie :)
    =
    be a great bbq place :)

  • grr July 14, 2010 (9:18 pm)

    would certainly be interesting to see what kind of rules would be in place as far as interior remodeling goes.

  • sam July 14, 2010 (9:50 pm)

    top pot

  • Angela July 15, 2010 (5:44 pm)

    Definetly a coffee shop firehouse with historic west seattle Fire Department photos, items decorated there!

  • Jon July 16, 2010 (10:16 am)

    By the way, the number of the historic preservation ordinance mentioned in the city flyer is incorrect (at least as of this moment). The right number is ordinance 122466. You can go here to plug in the number and read the ordinance, which details some of the restrictions placed on the property:

    http://clerk.ci.seattle.wa.us/~public/CBOR1.htm

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