Redmond Council Approves Full Rebuild of Old Fire House Teen Center
Joy Ale
November 27, 2025
Picture Credit: The Seattle Times
Redmond’s City Council has voted unanimously to rebuild the Old Fire House Teen Center, committing to a new facility that reflects the needs and priorities of young people throughout the community. The existing building was shut down earlier this year after multiple assessments revealed hazardous materials, structural deficiencies, and a failing roof system that made continued operation unsafe.
The council’s 6-0 vote authorizes construction of a new center on the same site, with directives to streamline the building process, integrate teen voices into every design phase, and include dedicated spaces for music, live performance, and recording. The decision follows months of discussions and recommendations from the Old Fire House Teen Center Stakeholder Group, which included teens, parents, service providers, and community partners.
City leaders undertook an extensive engagement effort that included online surveys, listening sessions, community workshops, and meetings with the Teen Services Subcommittee. The process emphasized accessibility, creative programming, and preserving the legacy of the original center, which has served as a cultural hub for young artists and musicians for nearly three decades.
After closing the building, the city relocated all teen programs to the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village. Additional assessments conducted through mid-2025 confirmed widespread structural issues that would require unsustainable costs to repair, leading to the decision to rebuild rather than renovate.
As planning moves forward, the city will launch new rounds of community engagement to ensure teens continue shaping the facility’s vision. The goal is to create a safe, modern, and youth-centered environment that reflects Redmond’s long-standing commitment to creative spaces and youth development.
