Old downtown firehall up for sale

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This article was published 30/08/2023 (984 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A piece of Brandon’s history is up for sale.

The iconic Central Fire Station — an architectural gem that has stood tall since 1911 — has been listed for sale with a $1.35-million price tag.

The building, which is known for its impressive Italianate tower, has served as a prominent landmark at 637 Princess Ave. in the heart of the city’s downtown business district.

“We’re putting the building for sale because we think it’s maybe time for somebody else to take over the helm of that building. We built the business and we’re looking for somebody else to take it over,” Central Fire Station co-owner Phil Dorn told the Sun.

Dorn conveyed a mixture of emotions regarding the sale of the historic building.

“We feel mixed about it. We really put a lot of effort into that building. We believe it’s still a beautiful thing, and that it still exists there. There is some more work that needs to be done. But maybe we’re not the right people to do it,” he said.

Dorn, who is the president of Samson Engineering, said that the concern of event bookings and continuity is assured.

“We’re going to sell it as a business and we’re hopeful it continues the way it is happening now. The person buying continues the event business,” he assured.

Dorn emphasized the commitment to maintaining the venue’s function, ensuring that booked events would proceed as planned under new ownership.

Central Fire Station listing agent Zack Munn shared his thoughts on marketing such a distinguished property.

“Being born and raised in Brandon, it’s a building that I’ve always driven by. I’ve been there for lots of friends’ weddings and different events over the years. So, to be able to have the chance to market it is a true honour.”

Beyond the feelings, Munn, with the Munn Group at Royal LePage, talked about the multifaceted appeal of the building, explaining that “the draw for this building is number one, the location, Brandon’s downtown, and the historic aspect of the building, being a heritage site. I think that’s going to be a big draw. The Central Fire Station’s architectural grandeur and its presence as a community landmark contribute to its allure.”

Munn also disclosed that the $1.35-million listing price has naturally sparked inquiries and discussions.

“The offer is barely 24 hours (old) and we’ve had a few questions and inquiries so far. The building’s downtown mixed-use zoning allows for various uses, including events and related alternatives,” he told the Sun.

However, with his insight into the local market and its dynamics, Munn refrained from speculating on the timeline for a sale. He highlighted the uniqueness of the property, making predictions challenging.

Before its transformation into Firehall Event Venue by Samson Engineering, the Central Fire Station had a diverse history. It was once home to the Prairie Firehouse restaurant, which closed its doors in May 2020 due to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant owner, Anna Dumas, took to Facebook to express her gratitude to the patrons who had been part of her journey over the five years the restaurant operated in downtown Brandon. She reflected on the privilege of being a part of countless significant events in the community.

Subsequently, the building became the Firehall Event Venue in 2021, aiming to serve as a space for weddings, parties, and other social gatherings.

Despite the obstacles presented by the ongoing pandemic, the team behind the Firehall Event Venue persevered, using a couple of months to complete renovations on the building’s main hall and the intimate “Hayloft” area.

The property, designated as a heritage site, boasts a rich history and is an embodiment of Brandon’s past and potential future. Its prominent location on Princess Avenue, the picturesque tower and the meticulous preservation of its exterior and interior elements all contribute to its unique character.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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