ROGERS PARK — The 102-year-old Greenleaf Avenue firehouse is back up for grabs after the city opened the property up to bids for the third time since it closed in 2009.
On Monday, the city's Department of Planning and Development issued a request for proposals for the two-story 1723 W. Greenleaf Ave. firehouse. The target selling price is $315,000.
The station, formerly Engine Co. No. 102, has been on the market twice since it closed in 2009 following the construction of a newer firehouse.
Between 2013 and 2014, several interested parties vied for the space and Ald. Joe Moore (49th) eventually whittled down the proposals to three — a Hindu temple, a home-office space and headquarters for two economic support and social organizations — though none of the prospects came to fruition.
Shortly after it closed, the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society also made a move for the property, though that plan also eventually fell through.
Now, the city is trying once again to give the historic space new life, said Peter Strazzabosco, the planning department's deputy commissioner.
The 6,323-square-foot building was finished in 1915 and sits atop a 8,934-square-foot lot, according to the city, and is currently zoned for residential developments, though the planning department is willing to consider requests that require zoning changes.
It's potential use is "flexible," according to the city, but "respondents must respect the existing land uses and architecture of the surrounding area when submitting proposals," and proposals should "preserve the historically significant exterior elements and basic structure of the building."
Among its features is a vintage air raid siren installed in 1942 and operated by a Chrysler motor known as the "1 Chrysler Victory Bell."
The interior of the firehouse for sale at 1723 W. Greenleaf Ave. in Rogers Park. [City of Chicago]
The firehouse has gone on the market before, but has yet to result in a sale. [City of Chicago]
