Grand Rapids, Mich. — Construction is slated to begin this summer on a state-of-the-art firefighter training facility in northwest Grand Rapids. On Tuesday, the Grand Rapids City Commission approved a contract with Clark Construction to build the new $46 million, 97,855-square-foot facility, which will be located at 850 Pannell Street NW, near Alpine Avenue on the city’s West Side.
The new training center is set to be completed by the middle of 2026, according to Grand Rapids Professional Firefighters Local 366. Once finished, the facility will house a variety of essential resources currently spread out across the city. These include the fire department’s live fire training structure, apparatus repair shop, and emergency operations center, all of which will now be centralized under one roof.
Grand Rapids Professional Firefighters Local 366 shared their excitement for the project in a recent Facebook post, expressing that this development marks a significant milestone for both the fire department and the city. “This is an exciting time for the Grand Rapids Fire Department and for the citizens we proudly protect!” the union wrote, celebrating the upcoming improvements.
The funding for the facility comes from a mix of sources, including a portion of $35 million allocated in the state budget. Additionally, the project will receive a $1.5 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, which will be matched by $1.5 million in local funding. This collaboration between local, state, and federal sources highlights the importance of the new facility to the community.
The new training center promises to enhance firefighter training, improve operational efficiency, and ensure that the Grand Rapids Fire Department remains well-equipped to respond to emergencies. Once completed, the facility will offer modernized spaces and resources that will help protect both firefighters and the citizens they serve.
With construction set to begin this summer, the Grand Rapids Fire Department is on track for a major upgrade in training and operations, set to be fully operational by 2026.
