33-year-old Fox Lake firehouse to get face-lift

In a couple of months, Fox Lake firefighters won't have to walk past fire trucks and ambulances when heading from their bed to the kitchen.

Fox Lake officials have approved a $95,000 expenditure to renovate Fire Station Number 2 at 114 Washington St.

Fire department spokesman Ted Beskow said the station was built in 1974, and has not been updated in more than 30 years.

In addition to switching sleeping and living arrangements, the station will be fitted with updated ventilation and air-conditioning systems to better handle potentially dangerous truck exhaust fumes.

"This is a pretty old building and, from time to time, we need to do some renovation and make it a little more friendly for people who live here all year," Beskow said

The station was built for $75,000, and paid for with donations to the Fox Lake Volunteer Fire Department.

Beskow said the $95,000 for the renovations was in the village's 2006-07 budget, but was pulled due to money constraints.

The funding was reinstated this year because the work needs to be done.

"This isn't a real bad situation, but it's definitely less than healthy," he said. "The ventilation needs to be changed, the heating and air conditioning is below modern times and the lighting system hurts your eyes."

Whether similar improvements will be made to Station Number 1 is unknown. Located at 42 McKinley Ave., it is the first, smallest and oldest fire station in Fox Lake.

Beskow said renovation plans have been created, but would not be done unless a high-rise is built downtown.

"We had the plans drawn up, but they are on hold until we know what is taking place downtown," he said.

Currently, Station 1 houses a fire investigation vehicle, an older engine and supplies for the fire district.

Fox Lake officials have approved or reviewed high-rise developments on Forest Avenue and at the Mineola Marina and Lounge in the past two years. Construction hasn't started on either.

If a high-rise is built, officials said they hope developer impact fees could help fund the Station 1 renovations.