More Demolition Work On Moody Street Fire Station

WALTHAM, MA — If you see construction crews back out at Moody Street and a lot of activity at the Fitch School parking lot, that's because this week crews will be doing some more demolishing of the old to make way for the new. It's part of the estimated $10 million Moody Street Fire Station renovation and replacement project.

The Moody Street Fire Station was built in the 1800s, when firefighters drive to the fires via horse-drawn carts. City Councilors say that firefighters tell them on hot humid days you can still smell the horses. For years, the city has talked about how to best upgrade the historic station that they say is severely outdated.

The city approved funding $239,000 for the demolition of the Young Building near the corner of Moody and Maple to make way for a new Moody Street fire station late last year. In February residents came to watch as the building came down, marking the first visible step in the project. In May, the city approved the $10 million bid for construction work.

Monday crews will be removing the monument, which will be stored for historical preservation, according to Ward 8 City Councilor Cathyann Harris. Then The rest of the week crews will be working to demolish a small building at the back of the building known as the "deputy quarters" to make way for an exit at the station for firefighters during construction.

The work this week means firemen and construction crews will have to park at the Fitch School parking lot, which will be closed for everything else, except for the Tuesday Farmer's Market. It also means there will be some sidewalk closures and detours coming up to look out for. The crosswalk will be out of commission and there will be a detour in place on July 22, according to Harris.

"None of the work will impact firefighters normal firefighter activity," said Harris.

And none of the work should impact drivers. All the roads will be open during this time, but there will be detours in place for sidewalks nearby.

Previously on Patch:

• Waltham Considers $10 Million Bid For New Moody St Fire Station
• Waltham Approves $10 Million Bid For New Moody St Fire Station
• First Look At New Moody Fire Station Project
• Demo Day In Waltham: Young Building Is Demolished

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).