Oak Creek to build new $3 million fire station

After more than five decades of service, Oak Creek’s first fire station will be replaced by a new $3 million building.

The $3 million price tag is a small price to pay for the long-overdue replacement station, said Oak Creek Mayor Dick Bolender.

“We have to do this now because we can’t keep putting things off in the city of Oak Creek,” Bolender said. “This building has never been cared for, and it’s just falling apart.”

The existing station, located at 240 E. Puetz Road, has had its roof repaired eight times, Bolender said, and is expected to have only three more years of life left.

The new structure will be built nearby on East Centennial Drive across from the city’s post office.

Oak Creek received the 15-acre property from Wimmer Brothers Realty Inc., Hales Corners, as a donation. The land donation saved the city at least $700,000 by not having to acquire land, said Doug Seymour, director of Oak Creek Community Development.

Only a small portion of the 15 acres will be used for the new fire station, while the rest will be maintained as a recreational park area, Bolender said. The building will be similar in size to the existing fire station, he said, but will be designed to allow for expansion, if necessary.

– Joe Lanane