Family & Home
New north side La Crosse fire station could be built soon
La Crosse’s fire department is moving ahead with plans for a new north side station.
Fire Chief Ken Gilliam says the city has been busy buying houses in the area where a modern station would be built to replace the 80-year-old firehouse on Gillette Street, which is scheduled to be torn down, since it’s not listed as a historic landmark.
Gilliam says five homes have been acquired already for the new station, and they’re waiting to close on a sixth.
According to the chief, the new station will have more room for firefighters and equipment, and will house two fire companies.
Part of the realignment of city fire stations also calls for the Monitor Street fire station to be moved to the south end of the marsh, around La Crosse Street and West Avenue.
Tyler Herricks
January 3, 2021 at 8:54 pm
The houses that the city wishes to aquire are home to people that have lived in them for decades. Also, those of us who live on the opposite side of the street really don’t want to be assaulted with bright lights at night and would also like safe places to park during the periods of alternate-side parking. A new fire station does not have to take up an entire block. I grew up next to a multi-truck station in La Crosse and it had quite a small footprint, yet functioned perfectly fine. The two residences that currently have been demolished are directly across from my house. I bought it due to the location and the peaceful nature of the neighborhood, not because I wanted flashing lights shining through my windows nightly.