Historic Fire Station Thrives in Downtown Prescott

New owners re-model a Prescott, AZ fire station, making it an interesting tourist attraction and a historic addition to the town.

Prescott, AZ (PRWEB) March 20, 2005 -- Downtown Prescott has more life and color thanks to the recent renovation of Prescotts old fire station. The station, located at the corner of Goodwin and Granite Streets behind Whiskey Row, originally opened in 1956, and became a restaurant in 1991.

Now, new owners Linda and Robin Forbes have spent the winter re-designing it to recall its prior duty as a fire station. The Forbes are committed to helping keep downtown Prescott true to its history.

We have done a lot of remodeling. Weve done some major repairs since the remodeling. It was pretty rundown when we bought it," said Linda Forbes. Gone are the green awnings of the last decade; in their place are black and red accents that complement the original sign painted on brick that says Prescott Fire Department."

On the south side of the building, construction of a parking garage is keeping pace with the Forbess repairs. Workers use an 85 foot crane that soars above the old hose tower to fit the garages massive pre-cast concrete and steel components into place. The largest piece theyre lifting and placing is 63,000 lbs," said Bryce Winterton, owner of Biffs Bagels, which serves New York-style water bagels.

Winterton, along with the other owners of Old Firehouse Plaza businesses, are tracking the garages progress with interest. The construction has impacted the businesses financially, but its completion should ultimately bring them new opportunities.

When the parking garage goes in, the city will provide a handicap ramp leading into the walkway in front of Biffs and Pangaea. Were going to redo the pavers where it comes in. It will be more of a courtyard when that happens," said Forbes.

Prescott Fire Department Captain Paul Williams worked at the station for three years until it closed. Every morning the firefighters would get a glass of tea or coffee and go into the bay to check out their equipment. Theyd always be setting their cups on the rigs and if the alarm went out, coffee cups would go flying off the rigs every time. Thered be broken glass all over Goodwin street," he said.

Hot drinks are still served at the Firehouse Plazas Biffs Bagels and Pangaea Bakery. Both businesses serve coffee along with their baked goods and cater to downtown lunch crowds throughout the week.

###