Florence’s historic Main Street Fire Station is about to undergo an extensive restoration that will culminate in an exciting new use for the property.
Built in 1949 as a volunteer fire station and community center, the building was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, and was decommissioned in 2014. Re-purposing the property will bring new life to a Florence landmark and new activity to the Main Street District.
The historic Florence Main Street Fire Station as it looked when it opened in 1949 (provided photo).
“The restoration of this much loved building is important to the community, but we are also excited about the potential new use for the property,” said Mayor Diane Whalen. “Considerable analysis and consideration of a variety of options have guided this project, and we anticipate it will prove to be a wonderful addition to historic Main Street.”
The complete restoration of the building will maintain and preserve the historic fabric of the fire station, but will also allow for creative upgrades to the space, making this an exciting home for a new business.
Finding that business is the next step and Florence is eagerly searching for just the right tenant for the building.
The city envisions the reuse of the building will be as a restaurant, craft brewery, brew-pub, entertainment venue, or other like business, but it will consider all proposals. The city intends to release a Request for Proposals for the lease of the property November 7.
A 1947 rendering of the historic Florence Main Street Fire Station from the Kentucky Post archives.
Selecting the tenant will be an inclusive process that focuses on the tenant’s ability to provide a desirable and creative approach to developing a successful concept.
This project is one component of a comprehensive city guided program dedicated to historic Main Street and the surrounding neighborhood.
Additional projects planned for the area include a new parking lot/event space, streetscape upgrades, and updated zoning and design guidelines. The city will also begin hosting events on Main Street in the coming year that will focus on establishing the area as a welcoming community gathering space.
For information about the opportunity to submit a proposal to lease the Main Street Fire Station for your business please contact Patricia Wingo at patricia.wingo@florence-ky.gov or 859-647-5412.
City of Florence
