Grand Re-Opening: Chula Vista Fire Station No. 1

On February 14, 2025, Chula Vista Fire Station No. 1 celebrated its 77th birthday with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, officially marking the completion of the station’s renovations.

Featured prominently on the patches of the Chula Vista Fire Fighters uniforms, Fire Station No. 1 has been a pillar in the Chula Vista community since its opening on Valentine’s Day in 1948. As the busiest district in the city, the station needed upgrades in order to meet the needs of fire personnel and continue to serve the community.

COAR Design Group worked closely with the City of Chula Vista and the Chula Vista Fire Department to design a new layout for the station that would provide a better living space for fire personnel, while honoring the historic elements of the station. The updated facility accommodates modern equipment including an expanded apparatus bay for a new ladder truck, an ambulance company, and personnel facilities.

Understanding the cultural and historic significance to the Chula Vista community, COAR paid special attention to notable elements of the station that could be preserved. The historic bell from the beloved “Old Goose” fire truck is featured prominently inside the building alongside a plaque celebrating its significance as one of the first ever fire trucks used by the Chula Vista Fire Department. Additionally, the exterior of the building has received upgrades to the roof as well as new to stucco to ensure the iconic façade will stand proudly in the years to come. The original fire alarm also remains at the front entrance to the building, demonstrating the lasting significance of this station in the community.

Mayor John McCann, Fire Chief Harry Mun, and City Council Members took part in the ceremony that included a ribbon cutting, speeches, and ringing the historic fire alarm. Several members of the community, fire personnel, and their families attended the event, and got to experience the upgraded station firsthand, with many stopping to take photos.

COAR Project Manager Alex Stolyar was also in attendance and shared that, “The ribbon cutting had a very large turnout with members of the Fire department, City of Chula Vista employees, and community members. It was great to hear how important this essential services facility is in providing support to the community.”