Crown Hill Fire Station 35 is on its way to what, according to one firefighter, is a sorely needed rebuild.

The floor in the 80-year-old fire station slopes so badly in some places that it is hard to keep chairs in front of desks, said Jill Firestone, a firefighter at Station 35.

The remodel will also increase safety, both by adding room to properly decontaminate equipment and seismically upgrading the building, Firestone said.

"These times need safe buildings," she said. "It would be a shame if we had a natural disaster and we couldn't get out to help."

Brenda Bauer, director of the Seattle Fleets and Facilities Department, opened the Aug. 21 groundbreaking by thanking the voters for their support of the 2003 Fire Station Levy, which is paying to upgrade and rebuild fire stations throughout the city.

Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata said the new Fire Station 35, which will be completed next year, will have a second story and an additional 2,000 square feet.

Seattle Fire Chief Gregory Dean said, as firefighters live and work in the station 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, it is important they have the space to properly do their job.

The current Crown Hill Fire Station lacks the space to properly decontaminate gear and a kitchen that works for the firefighters, Dean said.

"This building here has reached its usefulness since 1920," he said.

Jack Seifert, president of the Crown Hill Business Association, said the new fire station is a piece of art, both functional and aesthetically pleasing, that will add to the neighborhood.

"We believe it's going to get Crown Hill noticed," he said. "We're excited to have a new fire station here."

While the new building at 8720 15th Ave. N.W. is under construction, Fire Station 35 will be located at a temporary site at Northwest 90th Street and Holman Road.