A New Grand Rapids Fire Station Is Being Built, But At What Price?

All things considered, help is on the way for Grand Rapids Third Ward.

Although there is some disagreement among neighbors, historians and preservationists, the city of Grand Rapids and Fire Department are moving forward building a new fire station on Kalamazoo and Kendall, on the southeast side.

What people seem to abject to is the removal of an historic home, built in 1875.

Idol for several years, the home has been for sale on and off for a few years, but needed a new stairway, major repairs and upgrades to be livable, and it looks as if no one could or wanted to, foot the large bill.

Fox17 reported that the site lands in the historically-underfunded Third Ward, which has the largest Black population in the city.

There are 11 Fire Stations in Grand Rapids, and the Kalamazoo district of the Third Ward is currently served by a single station, Station 4. Per city documents, Station 4 is called to more emergencies and protects more people than any other unit in Grand Rapids.

The city says that by adding another station in the district, the load could be reduced at station 4 and all residents could be served much more safely.

People were hoping the city could find another location for the additional fire station, and they hate to see the loss of another classic Victorian home. They are calling the demolition a shame, and sad.

The Grand Rapids Fire Department has been searching for a new location in the Third Ward since 2022.

It's obvious that an additional fire station will not only be able to cover more emergency calls, but be able to help protect more Third Ward residents.