Fire Station 11, at 1514 SW Holden St. in the Highland Park neighborhood is holding a public open house on July 18, 2015, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"Thanks to voters, Fire Station 11 has been upgraded to provide a safer environment for our firefighters as they serve our community,” said Mayor Ed Murray. “This is your fire station, and I encourage you to join the celebration.”

Fire Station 11 is one of 32 neighborhood fire stations being upgraded, renovated or replaced through the Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Program, which was approved by Seattle voters in 2003. Built in 1971, Fire Station 11 was in generally fair condition, but required seismic retrofits to meet current earthquake safety standards. Remodeling to enhance operations was also part of the $1.04 million project.

Fire Station 11 houses one engine company (E11) and a reserve ladder unit. The crew remained at the station during construction.

“Last year Engine Company 11 responded to more than 2,100 emergencies, assisting people in their greatest times of need,” said Fire Chief Harold Scoggins. “This is a chance for the community to see the remodeled fire station and meet the men and women who serve them on a daily basis.”

As part of the safety upgrades to the facility, Station 11 received additional seismic bracing to meet current codes. The remodel provided capacity for apparatus bay support functions, including decontamination, crew preparation and vehicle maintenance areas. The station office and lobby was also remodeled for greater operational efficiency and security.

The Fire Station 11 project was developed by the city of Seattle’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services, designed by Weaver Architects and built by Van Rossen Construction. Construction began in June 2014 and was completed in April 2015.