Renovation Journey: Transforming an Abandoned Fire Station into a Family Home

In 2016, Steven and Ashley Evans purchased an abandoned fire station in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which had been on the market for $125,000. The property, originally built in 1960, had been neglected for years and was covered in black mold. Despite their initial hesitation due to financial constraints—Ashley was working as a dermatology nurse and Steven was managing rental properties—they decided to explore the property. Steven secretly made an offer of $90,000, which was accepted, surprising Ashley with the news.

CNBC

Upon acquiring the fire station, the couple faced significant renovation challenges. The building lacked walls, electricity, and even a working toilet. They estimated a renovation budget of $80,000 and opted to live in the fire station during the process, with Steven undertaking most of the work himself to minimize costs. The couple utilized various cost-saving strategies, such as sourcing materials on clearance and spray painting mismatched items to create a cohesive look. Major expenses included a new roof costing $22,000 and paint totaling $1,100.

CNBC

Throughout the renovation, the Evans family made a conscious effort to preserve the fire station's historical elements. They retained features like the old hose tower, garage doors, and a historic plaque. Additionally, they installed a massive skylight that had been part of the original design. To honor the building's legacy, they purchased an old fire truck for their children to play with and converted part of the space into an indoor soccer field, reflecting Steven's childhood memories of similar facilities.

CNBC

In 2019, the Evans refinanced their initial construction loan into a mortgage, securing a 5.5-year balloon mortgage for $225,000 at a 4.89% interest rate. As of 2024, they refinanced again, resulting in a monthly payment of approximately $3,190 at a 7.59% interest rate. The couple has also remodeled their kitchen using a home equity line of credit. Despite inquiries from social media followers about selling the property, the Evans have expressed their intention to keep the fire station, even purchasing the neighboring house for $180,000, which Ashley's parents now own.

CNBC

The transformation of the Cedar Rapids fire station into a family home exemplifies the Evans' dedication to preserving history while creating a modern living space. Their journey reflects not only their personal aspirations but also a commitment to community heritage, ensuring that the fire station remains a cherished landmark in their lives.

CNBC