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Fire Sale: Vacant Firehouses on the Market Around the City

April 12, 2013 | By Benjamin Woodard, DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

Rogers Park — The city has announced that 11 former fire stations are now up for sale, according to officials. These properties, once essential to public safety, are now being considered for new uses as part of a broader redevelopment initiative.

Among the stations up for grabs are two on the Far North Side: one at 5714 N. Ridge Blvd. in Edgewater and another at 1723 W. Greenleaf Ave. in Rogers Park. Both have been vacant for years and are now available for creative reuse.

Peter Strazzabosco, a deputy commissioner with the Department of Housing and Economic Development, explained that while each property has different zoning requirements, the city is open to a wide range of development ideas — from restaurants to nonprofit offices.

“There’s definitely a lot of interest in these buildings,” Strazzabosco said. “They’re not just old structures — they have real potential.”

Alderman Joe Moore (49th) shared that he's been working closely with Mayor Rahm Emanuel to find a meaningful use for the Greenleaf Avenue firehouse, one that would benefit the local community. He noted that the building, which has been empty since 2009, is zoned for residential use but could be reclassified if there's strong community support.

The city appraised the Greenleaf location at $250,000. Although the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society had previously expressed interest in moving into the space, budget constraints made it unfeasible at the time.

Meanwhile, the firehouse on Ridge Boulevard, a Chicago Landmark built in 1928, is also up for sale. It features terra cotta detailing and includes a parking lot. The combined value of the land and structure is $350,000, and it's zoned for small-scale retail development.

Bidding for that property will begin next week, though any sale must still go through the City Council for final approval.

In Bronzeville, the council is nearing a decision on a 10-year lease for a firehouse to be turned into a museum honoring African-American firefighters. Other firehouses, including one near the Damen Brown Line station, have already been sold or repurposed — like one now being converted into a single-family home.

Several historic sites, including other firehouses, are listed on the city’s website for public review. Moore added that his advisory committee will evaluate proposals for the Greenleaf Avenue site before making any recommendations.

“I look forward to sharing the ideas we receive with our residents soon,” he said.

The deadline for submitting bids is 4 p.m. on May 8.

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