The City of Covington will host a public meeting to gather ideas and input relative to the proposed rehabilitation and reuse of the old Covington Fire Station. The meeting is scheduled from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27 at the City Council Chambers, 222 E. Kirkland Street.
Located in the downtown historic district, the two-story fire station once housed the vehicles, equipment and employees of the Covington Fire Department before the organization moved to its present location on N. Jefferson Avenue in 1972. Since then, the City has used the building sporadically for storage and office space. It is located at 432 N. Theard Street adjacent to the city’s water tower and pumping station, both of which are no longer in use.
The public meeting is being held in connection with a feasibility study currently underway to assess the physical condition of the building and to make recommendations for its best use to benefit the community. WDG Architects Engineers of New Orleans is working with City Engineer Daniel Hill, P.E. to complete the study by June 30th.
To gather as much historical information as possible, local residents who remember the fire station from their childhoods are encouraged to attend the public meeting and bring along their old photographs, newspaper clippings and memories to share with the audience.
The building has structural problems ranging from weathering and termite damage to an unsupported 2nd floor balcony. Ideas under consideration include converting the building into a small community center, cultural heritage museum, or for other civic purposes.
A New Landmark
“By completing the feasibility study and gathering ideas and input from citizens, we hope to launch a project that will transform the old building into an historic landmark or otherwise viable facility that will be cherished by local residents and serve as an economic engine for the city,” Covington Mayor Mike Cooper.
