Mayor Daley Dedicates New Engine Company 84 Firehouse

Mayor Richard M. Daley today cut the ribbon on the new Engine Company 84 firehouse, ushering in the latest in fire fighting technology and communication for the residents of Auburn, Englewood and Washington Park.

The new $6.1 million firehouse, located at 21 W. 59th Street, was built by the Public Building Commission of Chicago (PBC), and includes a modern design to accommodate better living, remote training and an office workspace.

“As our City grows and changes, one of the thing remain the same-our commitment to revitalizing neighborhoods,” said Mayor Daley. “Firehouses like this one serve as valuable resources for a community and contribute greatly to the safety and quality of life of its residents.”

Joining the Mayor at the ribbon cutting were 20th Ward Alderman Arenda Troutman; Fire Commissioner Cortez Trotter; Montel Gayles, Executive Director of the Public Building and other public and elected officials

“I am so delighted to have this state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of the 20th Ward, where it will serve the community at large,” Alderman Troutman said. “This will help to stimulate economic development in an area adjacent to our industrial corridor that has been blighted for years. Engine Company 84 brings architectural splendor to the neighborhood, as well as safety for the families of the community.”

“This is the third new firehouse since I was appointed Fire Commissioner. I thank the Public Building Commission for its outstanding efforts and join the residents of this area in saying thank you,” stated Commissioner Trotter. “The Fire Department will make this new firehouse a community anchor we can all be proud of. This new house will allow us to continue our goal of better serving every community of Chicago.”

The one-story, 17,500-square-foot facility will house the Chicago Fire Department’s 5th District Headquarters and accommodate three shifts totaling about 50 firefighters and officers replacing the old Engine Company 84 station at 6204 S. Green a facility that was built in 1929, officials said.

“This new firehouse is the latest example of our mission to build new state of the art city facilities to better serve Chicago’s residents,” said Montel Gayles, Executive Director of the Public Building Commission. “The new station will include a modern command center to facilitate emergency communications and an interior design that emphasizes safety and comfort for firefighters and paramedics.”

The Engine Company 84 fire station offers greater work environment features for Fire Department members and the community:

A new training area increases education capabilities inside the firehouse without taking companies out of service each time they are scheduled for training.

New District Five office space conference area will accommodate community meetings. Locker room and bathroom facilities accommodate the needs of both men and women. A fully equipped workout facility to enhance health and fitness levels throughout the department.

Convenient, oversized garage doors to accommodate today’s larger emergency vehicles along with a circular driveway to make it faster and safer for vehicles to leave and re-enter the building.

The facility is the fourth to be opened under the Mayor’s Neighborhoods Alive 21 program, which includes firehouses and police stations. Nearly twenty fire and police stations will be replaced under this ambitious program, officials said.