INDIANAPOLIS — Some big improvements are coming to the Circle City soon after the City-County Council unanimously approved a number of new infrastructure projects this week.
That includes two new fire station locations. One will be home to the new IFD Station 32 on North College Avenue between East 63rd and 64th streets and the other will be home to the new IFD Station 20 near 13th and Emerson.
On Thursday, city leaders hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new IFD Station 32 which will replace the current station that has been around for more than 102 years.
“We are taking the first big step in making a new Station 32 a reality, our residents and our neighbors will be getting the help they need as quickly as possible,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett.
It’s been years in the making, but the start of construction for the brand-new site for Station 32 is happening now.
“We really needed a new station that can really service all of District 7 on the north side,” said John Barth with the Indianapolis City-County Council representing District 7.
Right now, IFD Station 32 is in the heart of Broad Ripple Village on Guilford Avenue. It’s been in that very spot since 1922 and is currently the oldest active station for the Indianapolis Fire Department. But city leaders said the new site was very much needed.
“The current station 32… is so small and it does not support having modern apparatus inside of it so the new station will have plenty of room for apparatus to serve the entire district and all of the northside in a way that is really more efficient and there is protection across the entire area,” Councilor Barth said.
The City-County Council is dedicating $6 million for the construction of both new fire station sites and it’s part of an $80 million effort in neighborhood investments and improvements.
In a recent press release, this is what Mayor Joe Hogsett had to say about the new investments:
“With this new funding, the City can improve roads and pedestrian infrastructure, invest in new and better facilities for our public safety professionals, and address nuisance issues such as blighted buildings – some of the top priorities of our neighborhoods. I especially want to thank the members of the City-County Council – their partnership is the reason we can continue to make key investments that impact our community for the better.”
Now, all eyes are on the upcoming construction of the two new fire station sites.
“I am looking forward to a year or so from now when we can be back on this location and cut the ribbon and welcome the firefighters into their new location,” Councilor Barth said.
IFD Station 32 is expected to open in mid-August 2025.
