12/19/2006
 Dig this! Officials of the Chicago Fire Department and local elected officials were all smiles during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Engine Company 121 Firehouse. The project, which is being managed by the Public Building commission of Chicago, is located at 1724 W. 95th Street in the Beverly community. Pictured from left are: 6th District Deputy Chief Jerome Shelton, 6th District Chief Nick Russell Illinois Sen. Ed Maloney, Ald. Ginger Rugai (19th Ward), Illinois Rep. Monique Davis, First Deputy Fire Commissioner John Brooks, Lois Weber, executive director of the 95th Street Business Association and Marcia Walsh, of the Beverly Area Planning Association. | |
 The current fire station located at 1700 W. 95th Street. |
The new firehouse will feature a modern design to accommodate better living and an office workspace. The project, located at 1724 W. 95th Street, is being managed by the PBC.
“I am very excited to have the new Engine Company 121 in the 19th ward,” Ald. Rugai said. “This new facility will use the latest technology to address the safety needs for the residents it will serve.”
The one-story, 14,000 square-foot facilities will replace the old Engine Company 121 at 1700 W. 95th St., which was built in 1914 and is one of oldest firehouses in Chicago.
“This project reflects our mission to build new state of the art city facilities that enhance the quality of life for Chicago’s residents,” said Montel Gayles, executive director of the PBC. “The design of this new station also includes elements that will accommodate the safety and comfort for firefighting personnel.”
Joining the alderman for the groundbreaking were Illinois Rep. Monique Davis (D-Chicago) and Illinois Sen. Ed Maloney (D-Chicago).
“I am pleased to see a brand new home for Engine 121 being a step closer to reality,” Orozco said. “While the old house has served us well, it’s time to give Engine 121 a fresh new home. This firehouse will not only serve as a Community anchor but will also provide the latest in technology, comfort and performance.”
The facility will be the fifth to be opened under the Mayor’s Neighborhoods Alive 21 program, which includes firehouses and police stations. Nearly twenty fire houses and police stations will be replaced under this ambitious program, officials said.
The PBC manages construction and renovation projects for the City of Chicago and its other sister agencies. Mayor Richard M. Dale
