By Audrey Whitaker
mlive.com
KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Demolition of a shuttered church on Texel Drive is complete. A new township fire station will go up in its place.
Kalamazoo Township officials broke ground on the Eastwood Fire Station at 2409 Texel Drive on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
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Demolition of the shuttered Fresh Fire African Methodist Episcopal Church started in July. The $11 million project is expected to be complete in early 2027.
Funding comes from a $1 million state grant, plus taxes collected using a township-wide special assessment approved after a public hearing in October.
“This groundbreaking represents more than just a new building — it represents our commitment to safety, efficiency and responsible community service,” said Tracie Moored, superintendent of Kalamazoo Township.
The new fire station will replace one at 2703 E. Main St., built in the 1940s. It fails to meet the needs of modern equipment and a growing township, Fire Chief Jairus Baird said previously.
Plans for the new station include a community room for training, three truck bays nearly twice as long as the current station’s, updated living quarters for on-duty staff and a designated entrance for the public with 30 parking spaces.
There’s room for the three current engines, he said, plus four more, should the township grow or need space to work on repairs.
“It’s an impactful investment that supports both our community and our firefighters,” Baird said.
Township officials are also working on plans for a new Township Hall and police headquarters. It purchased 17.3 acres at 3006 Douglas Avenue for $1.05 million in September 2024.
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