Rochester firehouse renovations expected to increase response times

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The City of Rochester held groundbreaking ceremonies at the Goodman Street and Allen Street fire houses Thursday, as they gear up for big renovations.

The city said the firehouses impacted by the renovation project will be inoperable for about a year. During that time, crews will be relocated to nearby firehouses. Response times will be increased by “about one minute,” the city said.

The locations will get upgraded roofs, sprinkler systems, lockers, decontamination areas, kitchen areas, and fire alarm systems.

Officials say they’re also hoping to make the firehouses more gender inclusive. That means creating private sleeping areas to replace the previous open-bay cubicles, and adding two unisex bathrooms with private showers.

“These firehouses were on their way to functional obsolescence because they no longer fully meet the needs of a modern fire service,” Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said in a statement released Thursday. “I am proud of these improvement projects because they reflect our commitment to public safety, firefighter safety and workplace equity. By providing our employees with the best  possible equipment, facilities, and work conditions to perform their critical mission, we are creating a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone.”

The $17.6 million renovation project is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, along with cash capital and city bonds.

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