ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — City officials have unveiled the latest design concept for a new Fire Station 9, the center of the first phase in plans to modernize public safety facilities in the Oakley community of east Asheville.

The Oakley Public Safety Project is a city initiative which will bring “public safety facilities in Oakley to modern day standards,” according to the project page. The project comprises two major renovations of public safety buildings in the neighborhood: Fire Station 9 and the Asheville Police Department Oakley Resource Center.

At the conclusion of the project, the new Asheville Fire Department Fire Station 9 will take the place of the current APD Oakley Resource Center at 711 Fairview Road, while the present fire station, located at the Murphy-Oakley Community Center, will be transformed into the East Asheville Police Resource Center.

What will the new Fire Station 9 look like?

The city of Asheville has collaborated with ADW Architects to produce plans for the refreshed fire station. The site, funded by 2024 bond funds, will be housed on the 0.65 acres of 711 Fairview Road.

The new fire station will house up-to-date fire safety equipment and optimized functionality for Oakley first responders, as identified by a 2023 Comprehensive Facility Study and guided by collaboration between the city, AFD and members of the community.

“Staff worked closely with Asheville Fire Department members to ensure the new layout and features directly address the day-to-day operational needs of firefighters, enabling them to serve the community with maximum efficiency and safety,” the city wrote in a press release. “This vision was further shaped by the invaluable feedback received from the community. Community input was essential in defining how this facility integrates into the Oakley neighborhood, ensuring the new station is not only a functional asset for public safety but also a welcoming and complementary addition to the Oakley landscape.”

When will the new Oakley fire station open?

There are still steps left to complete before construction can begin, but the design is expected to be finalized by late this year with construction slated for 2027-2028.

For more about the Oakley Public Safety Complex initiative, visit www.publicinput.com/w24305.