Bulldozers Descend on Old Fire Station Monday

The old Hampton Beach fire station will be razed Monday as part of the final steps of the $5.7 million fire stations construction and renovation project.

Deputy Fire Chief Jamie Ayotte said the demolition will happen as planned Monday because the rest of the outdated fire station 1's asbestos was successfully removed last week.

Three weeks ago, the Hampton Beach crews officially moved into the new station and dispatch was completely moved into the new addition at the Winnacunnet Road station. 

Both stations are now fully occupied and operating, which is a welcome sight for Chief Chris Silver because it signals the end of his department's tireless efforts to bring the $5.7 million two-station project to completion.

"When we started, I was optimistic and hopeful that it would take 12-to-14 months from start to finish," said Silver, who added that construction stayed on schedule and went "smoothly" considering there were two simultaneous projects. "We did start just a little bit late, and obviously we made up a little bit of lost time... but I don't think we're bad off."

The old Hampton Beach fire station on Ashworth Avenue was originally slated for demolition last week, although the discovery of the additional asbestos forced a delay.

The old station, the lot for which will be used for more than 80 Hampton Beach Village District parking spaces once the structure is demolished, has a significant amount of history, although Silver said he's been "very detached" to the structure as his department worked on a structure that actually supported and fulfilled their needs.

"I thought less of the old building and more of the new [as the move began]," said Silver. "I think others were more reluctant to move because of the change. Now that we’re in, I think all of the members are glad that we’re in and see that it’s a real improvement to where we've come from. Because of that, all of us have been able to let go of what we held onto with the old building. I don’t think I'm sad to see it go at this point."

A ribbon cutting ceremony will likely be held in a couple of weeks for each structure, as Silver said there's still a lot of unpacking to do before his department can fully "settle in" and declare the work completed.

"I have to give all of the members a lot of credit — they really put a lot of effort into getting everything packed and moved and unpacked," said Silver. "They’ve really done a good job making everything look like home."