ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — This summer, construction crews will begin a year-long restoration of the Asheville Police Department and Fire Station 1 headquarters in downtown Asheville. City officials stated that both services will remain active during the renovation.

The APD and Asheville Fire Department headquarters are located at 100 Court Plaza. The renovation of the building was approved by Asheville City Council this week for a summer start date.

What needs restoration at the downtown police and fire station?

According to a city press release, the main focus of the restoration project is “the demolition and replacement of the elevated slab floor in the Fire Station 1 apparatus bay.”

“Originally constructed in 1925, the two-story Municipal Building is a landmark fixture of downtown Asheville. In 2021 a structural assessment revealed that the existing nearly century-old slab is structurally insufficient to safely bear the weight of modern, heavy-duty fire apparatus,” wrote Kim Miller, senior communication specialist for the city. “In addition to replacing the heavy-duty apparatus bay floor, the project will require extensive renovations to the interior spaces directly beneath the slab that will be impacted by construction to maintain operational continuity.”

The project is seen by officials as an investment in city infrastructure.

“By reinforcing the structural integrity of the Municipal Building, we are ensuring that our first responders have a safe, modern facility to operate from as they continue to protect and serve the Asheville community,” said Capital Management Director Walter Ear in the release.

Will the project impact public safety operations?

According to the city, both APD and AFD will stay active during construction, though there will be a reduced AFD presence in the building.

“Fire Station 1 will retain one fire company out of Station 1, while the remaining two trucks will respond from nearby stations,” Miller said. “In preparation for the project, Asheville Fire Department administrative staff moved into a leased office space in 2025.”

The police department will remain open to the public.

The first responder fitness facility in the headquarters, meanwhile, will be unavailable during construction. As a result, city officials have activated 179 S. Charlotte St. as a fitness and wellness center for the crews.

The project team will reach out to nearby property owners and residents who could be impacted by construction. For more information about the project, visit www.publicinput.com/municipalbuildingrepairs.