Nov. 18, 2025 — Redmond, Wash. The Redmond City Council voted 6-0 to approve demolishing the Old Fire House Teen Center at 16510 NE 79th St. and rebuilding a new facility on the same site after it closed in March 2025 due to structural issues and safety concerns.
The decision followed recommendations from the Old Fire House Teen Center Stakeholder Group, which included teens, parents, service providers, and community members, after extensive engagement including surveys, workshops, and focus groups, according to a City of Redmond news release. Programs were relocated to the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village, where they continue with drop-in hours Tuesday through Friday. In their approval, Council included prioritizing expedience in construction, centering teen voices in the design process, and including music performance space and a dedicated recording studio to continue the Old Fire House Teen Center legacy.
The council’s action came after facility assessments in 2024 and June-July 2025 identified hazardous materials, structural and seismic concerns, a failing roof and building envelope, making safe operation unsustainable, per the city’s official timeline.
A group called Save OFH, formed by teenagers and alumni, opposed demolition and gathered nearly 4,000 signatures on a petition to preserve the historic building, which had served as a teen center since the 1990s after 73 years in the community, as reported by Redmond Moments. Public speakers urged the council to save the firehouse and criticized the process ahead of the vote, according to CitizenPortal.ai.
Redmond Parks Director Loreen Hamilton closed the center abruptly in early 2025 following a city-wide building inspection, Redmond Moments noted. The 425 Magazine covered the vote, highlighting continued community input in the rebuild.
Next steps include additional engagement to guide design and construction, with staff briefing detailed in the council agenda. The city plans to ensure teen voices shape the new spaces for music, performance, arts, and recreation.
