Redmond Teen Programs Relocate Amid Old Fire House Closure
The Old Fire House Teen Center in Downtown Redmond, Washington. Photo by Jason Miller.
April 10, 2025
By Madeline Virginia
The Old Fire House Teen Center is usually bustling with activities like trivia nights, concerts, dances, and talent shows for youth in the Redmond community. In March, however, the City of Redmond announced that the Old Fire House will be closed, and most of its services shifted to the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village.
The City says the Old Fire House is no longer fit to house these community programs. In its announcement, the City explained, “The building has served the community well for 73 years but now faces substantial long-term challenges that go beyond routine maintenance. This proactive relocation allows the City to ensure continuous teen services while the community considers options for the building's future.”
An outdoor patio at the Old Fire House Teen Center. Photo by Jason Miller.
The Old Fire House has been a part of the Redmond community for decades. True to its name, the building once housed the Redmond Fire Department before being decommissioned, converted into a YMCA, and later into the Teen Center. Since the 1990s, the center has offered a variety of services, with a special focus on local music shows that helped shape generations of musicians.
The center’s long history is part of what makes it vulnerable. Despite careful and continuous maintenance, the aging building is falling into disrepair. A 2024 Facility Condition Assessment describes asbestos present in the ceiling, floor, and walls, along with lead paint. Though these present little risk when left undisturbed, larger building repairs require invasive and expensive renovation.
A colorful painted fence outside the Old Fire House Teen Center. Photo by Jason Miller.
Redmond Mayor Angela Birney said in a statement, “While we engage in a thoughtful process with City Council and the community about the future of the Old Fire House Teen Center, we will continue to recognize the significance of this space to generations of Redmond residents and remain committed to honoring that legacy.”
In response to the planned closure, residents have launched a petition and a crowdfunding campaign to save the Old Fire House Teen Center. The petition has already gained over 3,600 signatures and states, “The center is more than just classes, it is a safe space in the community for teens by teens where they can go to thrive. Providing classes or ‘services' at ‘other locations’, as the City has announced it plans to do, will be no substitute for this critical community asset.”
The City of Redmond is currently seeking community input to shape its plans for the Teen Center’s future. Residents can complete a questionnaire by April 21, 2025, and a City Council Study Session is scheduled for April 22 to discuss the Old Firehouse and ongoing teen programs. Teenagers interested in participating in the City’s events and services can find more information on the Teen Services Calendar.
