Council Approves $4M For New Fire Station Land Purchase

PALM SPRINGS, CA — Palm Springs City Councilmembers approved a motion to invest $4 million in a land purchase in the downtown area for a new fire station, officials said Thursday.

During Wednesday's city council meeting, councilmembers unanimously voted to approve a purchase agreement for Fire Station #1.

City officials said finding a new fire station was a priority to replace the aging, current facility that is plagued by a variety of issues after more than 70 years in service. The problems include being undersized, an aerial ladder truck is unable to fit within the existing apparatus bay, dormitories and restrooms need to be reconfigured for better gender inclusion and privacy, and the facility does not meet seismic or ADA-access requirements.

"As our downtown continues to grow and evolve, a new fire station in this preferred location downtown will ensure our public safety infrastructure keeps pace. The city council's approval of this important project positions us to move forward with a modern facility that will serve residents, businesses and visitors for generations to come," City Manager Scott Stiles said in a statement.

The new site, located on the southwest corner of Andreas Road and North Indian Canyon Drive, will be a state-of-the-art facility that will serve the community better, officials said.

"This is truly a win-win for Palm Springs," Fire Chief Paul Alvarado said in a statement.

"Our residents, businesses and visitors will benefit from faster, more effective emergency response, while our firefighters will have a modern, safe and functional station designed to support their health, wellness and the needs of today's diverse workforce," Alvarado added.

The purchase signaled the end for a local nonprofit that feeds homeless individuals and families in the city. Well in the Desert was served with a notice to vacate premises, located at 181 N. Indian Canyon Drive, from the landlord, Girt Development by Monday. The nonprofit, which serves roughly 250 families each week and served about 98,000 meals last year, was expected to find a new location and move their food storage and meal operations in short notice.

``The well remains active looking for a temporary place on short notice and it has been difficult, but we are not giving up, the nonprofit's president, Matt Naylor, told City News Service on Tuesday.

The new station is expected to break ground in early 2027.