New Peekskill Central Firehouse Celebrates its Opening

More than 200 community members, local business professionals, dignitaries, fire department staff and volunteers, and others gathered today at the City of Peekskill’s ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new Central Firehouse located at the corner of Broad and Main Streets in downtown Peekskill. The $12 million, 30,300 sq-ft two-story building consolidates five existing facilities and includes features that focus on quick response and firefighter health and safety. Of note, first responders will be able to reach any emergency in the city within approximately three minutes.

The new facility is the culmination of a planning process that began in the 1990s. The city brought in Mitchell Associates Architects from Voorheesville, N.Y., a firm specializing in public safety design, and Manitou Inc. from Peekskill, which specializes in analyzing fire service needs, departmental operations, and best locations for response time, to plan the new station. Robert Mitchell of Mitchell Associates Architects designed the building with both modern and historical aesthetics. Calgi Construction Services provided construction oversight for the nearly two-year process. The contractor team included Rok-Built Construction Inc. from Yorktown, N.Y.; ABM Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. from Hawthorne, N.Y.; S&L Plumbing and Heating Corp. from Brewster, N.Y.; Rockland Electric from Nanuet, N.Y.; and SRI Fire Sprinkler LLC from Highland, N.Y.

The impressive state-of the-art facility includes a kitchen, locker room, sleeping quarters, training stations, and a public meeting room. The new lobby features a Fire Museum that highlights 190 years of proud service to the community. It will also house the Fire Department’s 19th century apparatus, which has been restored to the highest museum standards.

“This carefully-planned facility will meet the needs of both our hardworking Peekskill fire companies and our citizens,” said Mayor André Rainey. “We see a bright future ahead for the City of Peekskill, our citizens and those who serve them.”

Fire Chief Vincent Malaspina echoed the Mayor’s enthusiasm, “Our new fire protection facility is designed to serve the community and our firefighters. We look forward to strengthening the department by attracting new volunteers to this state-of-the-art space and environment.”

Designed with the City’s past and the future in mind, the new headquarters features a durable exterior of natural stone and brick with copper roof flashings and trim. The energy-efficient building is designed as a permanent structure, not a 50- to 100-year facility. In appearance and materials, it is a physical reminder of the City’s investment in its first responders and the community.

About the City of Peekskill
The City of Peekskill is a thriving, historic community located on the banks of the Hudson River. Just under one hour north of New York City, Peekskill is culturally and economically vibrant, and it is blessed with abundant natural resources due to its location on the river and at the gateway to the Hudson Highlands. Its pedestrian-friendly downtown is buzzing with an array of dining and entertainment establishments. Further, the City is home to a growing arts community. With artist lofts, studios, galleries and museums, Peekskill has no shortage of arts activities. The waterfront, with over three miles of continuous parkland, is a regional destination with a variety of active and passive recreation, as well as breathtaking views of the Hudson River. The City Fire Department was founded in 1813. It is staffed by volunteers and career firefighters who cover 4.3 square miles and typically respond to 4,500 calls per year. The City of Peekskill (www.cityofpeekskill.com) is located at 840 Main Street in Peekskill, NY and can be contacted by 914-737-3400