Update: Construction work about to start on new Fire Station 37

(Backhoe in action, photo courtesy Bruce, substituted for previous photo @ 1:24 pm)
Thanks to everyone who’s sent updates on progress at the 35th/Holden site (map) that will be the new home of Fire Station 37 – first, the old house on the site was fenced off; yesterday, we spotted the construction trailer; now, MargL just called to say a backhoe has shown up (and added at 1:24 pm, Bruce‘s photo as demolition begins). The ceremonial groundbreaking was back in May (WSB coverage here), but then there was a delay — the project had to be rebid (as reported in June). Here’s the new station’s design, by Miller Hayashi Architects:

Just talked with Fire Department spokesperson Christina Faine; she says Station 37 is expected to be finished “in mid-2010.” Once the existing one is vacated, it will be put up for sale – it’s an official city landmark, which means there are restrictions on what can be done to/with it. ADDED 5:50 PM: By mid-afternoon, the house was half-gone – the wall on the right side, from this view, came down seconds after we took this photo:

kstineback September 30, 2009 (1:29 pm)

finally! that house has been sitting there in disrepair for too long!

Stephen September 30, 2009 (2:22 pm)

Sweet! Though I’m surprised that they have the trucks entering on Holden, not 35th. But then, I’m not a planner, so I don’t know the reason behind the decision.

jeannie September 30, 2009 (2:41 pm)

Ugly but functional. As long as it works well for our firefighters. Anyone know what will happen to the cute old firehouse they used to use?

WSB September 30, 2009 (3:04 pm)

Stephen, if I had to guess, it would be the fact that Holden will get you directly to 35th or Delridge – so a little less turning. In fact, while I was there shooting video a while ago (will add later), Engine 37 roared out of its old station several blocks north and turned on down Holden, right past the demolition crew. Don’t think I got that on video, unfortunately – TR

Brian September 30, 2009 (5:15 pm)

Jeannie-

The old firehouse will become a landmark/ museum.

WSB September 30, 2009 (5:18 pm)

It is a landmark already, as noted in the story. But last time we checked with the fire dept., they didn’t have a buyer lined up – and weren’t even planning to put it on the market till after it was vacated – TR