HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Harrisonburg Fire Department is moving forward with plans to replace HFD Fire Station #4, located at 210 E. Rock St.

Officials say the new fire station will be designed with “an eye toward ensuring exceptional emergency response times and enhancing the safety, health, and wellness of firefighters so they can continue to have the resources needed to be successful in their mission of public safety.”

Constructed in 1975, the station has become an integral part of the Northeast Neighborhood and is the primary emergency services facility serving Harrisonburg’s core Downtown district.

“Station #4 is a critical part of this community, and we are thrilled to be keeping it right here,” Mayor Deanna Reed, a long-time Northeast Neighborhood community member, said. “Our commitment to the safety and well-being of this community is tied directly to ensuring our firefighters have the facilities they need to provide service.”

The City evaluated the existing station in 2019 with the intent to renovate the structure. However, the results of that study found substantial needed improvements that made further investment in the structure not fiscally responsible. The project was then paused in 2020 due to challenges related to the global pandemic but remained an important priority, leading to the City purchasing a parcel of land adjacent to the existing station at the corner of East Gay Street and Community Street in 2025 with the goal of keeping Station #4 in the Northeast Neighborhood and moving the project forward in the near future.

“This fire station in particular is so important because it is the only station in the city located completely within a neighborhood,” Fire Chief Matthew Tobia said. “We truly appreciate the commitment of City Council, under the direction of Mayor Reed, and City Manager Banks in continuing to prioritize public safety as a core function of government. This investment will positively impact current and future generations who call this city their home.”

The entire project is expected to take approximately two years to complete. Officials say a process is underway soliciting interest from suitable firms in designing and building the new fire station. After a firm is selected, and design work is completed, the existing fire station will be demolished to make way for the new fire station. During construction, firefighters who normally serve at Station #4 will be temporarily relocated to nearby fire stations. The temporary relocation is expected to last approximately one year.

The new fire station is expected to be a one-story building with modern features including a solar array that will help offset energy costs. The station will have exterior features that ensure it will be viewed as a part of the neighborhood and will include space for current and future needs. The goal is to ensure that the station is functional for at least 50 years.

HFD plans to hold periodic meetings to ensure community members are informed about the progress of the project.

Community members also can follow the department on social media platforms to receive updates and important announcements.