MORTON (25News Now) – Construction is underway on a new fire station in Morton after the Village Board approved $7.5 million in borrowing to finance the project this week.
The new station, located at 195 E. Queenwood Road, will be built entirely by Morton-based companies. The village also secured financing through Better Banks, a local bank in Morton.
According to village leaders, the Morton Fire Department has outgrown its current station at 205 W. Adams St., which was built in 1956. The existing facility can no longer accommodate the department’s equipment and needs significant upgrades.
The new station will sit on a 3.8-acre property and feature approximately 11,000 square feet of space, allowing the department to accommodate its current equipment and future staffing needs.
Village President Jeff Kaufman said the new facility will also provide greater protection for emergency personnel and equipment during severe weather.
“You need it for the staff today, and safety. So, this is going to have four stalls, and they’re going to be concrete walls with a concrete roof. So, if a tornado or winds, or a tornado goes through this area of town, our equipment is going to be safe because we have to get to our citizens if a storm comes through,” said Kaufman.
The existing fire station will no longer be used once construction is complete.
According to Kaufman, the village expects the new station to open in September 2027, with plans to allow residents to tour the facility.
Officials said the station’s location was selected with public safety and emergency response times in mind.
“This site selected for the new Station 2 was chosen with careful consideration of both operational efficiency and the long-term public safety needs of the community and its visitors,” said Fire Chief Justin Hale.
Kaufman added that the new location will provide access to nearby nursing homes and the interstate.
The project will also incorporate green space for surrounding neighborhoods.
“We’re keeping it toward the front of the road, so they’ll be about an acre of green space in the back for the neighborhood. So, if they want to play ball or walk their dog or play soccer, we wanted to add a park effect to all the homes here,” said Kaufman.
