News: Historic Fire Station #2 Grand Opens
After nearly two years of construction, Miami Beach officials celebrated the grand re-opening of the historically-designated Fire Station No. 2, June 7.
The historic building, at 2300 Pine Tree Drive, now serves as the city fire department’s administrative headquarters.
At the event, free and open to the public, visitors enjoyed a display of historic photographs and fire apparatus and received important information about fire prevention and hurricane preparedness, including how to become a Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer.
The firehouse’s $2 million renovation and reconstruction was a city Capital Improvement Project. It had the approval of Miami Beach’s historic preservation and planning boards.
The project included selective demolition of aging and damaged parts of the edifice, restoration of the distinctive hose tower, and reconfiguring the firehouse dorms and old fire chief’s quarters to hold administrative offices and conference rooms.
Construction of a new state-of-the-art fire station and emergency operations center (EOC) was completed in 2007.
Noted Florida architect Robert Law Weed originally designed the architecturally-distinctive fire station during the Great Depression. STA Architects handled the reconstruction design, creating new interiors and a reconstructed façade, which include architectural details that harken back to the original design style, but with modern amenities. Edgewater Construction handled construction for the finalized facility.
“There was a need for better administrative offices for our fire staff, and we achieved the fulfillment of that need by simultaneously protecting and preserving some of that department’s history,” said City Manager Jorge Gonzalez.
“This new building allows our department to consolidate administrative activities,” said Fire Chief Javier Otero. “With new technology integrated within our headquarters, we can better communicate with the field, which enhances the safety of our residents, businesses and visitors.”
All fire department services are now under one roof, except for fire prevention and permitting, which remain at City Hall for better customer service.
