Old firehouse sells for $1 in Pa.

By Don Spatz
The Reading Eagle

READING, Pa. — City Council has voted to buy an old firehouse for $1 and construct a new building for nearly $2 million.

The city decided Monday to buy the 133-year-old Liberty Steam Fire Company station at 501 S. Fifth St. The three-story building with high ceilings houses the Liberty Fire Museum on its second fl oor.

The city said the fire company would not have been able to afford the building's expenses when city fire crews leave next year. The city wants to keep the building open because of the museum.

The fire company has said it will seek a grant for the expected $250,000 expense of making the building handicap accessible.

The structure's masonry has been repaired and grant money is available to replace the roof, so the city does not expect high maintenance costs.

Council also awarded contracts totaling $1.96 million to four contractors to build a 10,000-square-foot fi rehouse along Lancaster Avenue opposite the Queen City Family Restaurant.

The city is getting the money for the project from a larger capital improvements loan that has already been taken out.

Construction is expected to start in October, with completion slated for summer.

Contracts were awarded to E.R. Steubner Inc., Reading, $1.47 million; Vision Mechanical Inc., West Reading, $162,000; Myco Mechanical Inc., Harleysville, Montgomery County, $92,900; and Hirneisen Electric Inc., Reading, $234,900.

When the new engine house opens, the city will move the Liberty and Oakbrook fire companies into the new facility.

Meanwhile, council also awarded a $75,411 contract to Windsor Service Inc. to create a canoe and kayak launching point along the Schuylkill River at a Riverfront Park location called Kerper's Landing. The money is coming from a state grant and the capital improvements budget.

Copyright 2009 Reading Eagle