Mayor Madeline Rogero will be in Bearden today for a ribbon-cutting for the newly renovated Fire Station No. 12. Known as the Lonas Firehall, the facility has served the Bearden business and residential communities since 1929. The ceremony is at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at 4620 Old Kingston Pike.
You’ve seen and admired the exterior for almost 90 years. Now come see what three-quarters of a million dollars will do for the interior. It’s a rare opportunity to tour the firehall, which has three floors. The main level contains a remodeled kitchen with built-in wooden cabinets and tile floors. It also features a living room with leather recliners, polished wood floors and a big screen TV. Upstairs are bedrooms, bathrooms and showers. And the basement area has been cleaned up and water-proofed. It now contains workout equipment, a laundry room and equipment storage for off-duty firefighters.
Rogero will outline all of the improvements today, but not all of the money went toward decor. The foundation was stabilized and a French drain now diverts surface water from the building. The fire station reflects the character of the community. The city’s updates may have added another 90 years of life.