Historic Firehouse In South Philadelphia Won't Be Demolished, Yet
By Mike Dunn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - South Philly residents who've been worried about the possible demolition of a much-loved 19th century firehouse are breathing a bit easier, though only a bit.
City Councilman Mark Squilla says after days of trying, he was finally be able to speak by phone with the head of the company that owns the Engine 46 firehouse at Reed and Water Streets.
A mysterious demolition permit had been slapped on the building which prompted fears of an imminent wrecking ball.
But Squilla says the CEO told him there's no tenant yet and therefore no immediate plans to demolish and the councilman said he received promises of community outreach before any demolition.
"He's willing to come down to meet with us to discuss that site to see if maybe it's possible to save the firehouse at this point," Squilla explains.
The CEO with whom Squilla spoke did not return our phone calls. The firehouse dates from 1894 and is currently vacant.
