FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2026
Bessemer City Advances New Fire Station Project and East Virginia Avenue Redevelopment
Major public safety investment will support growing emergency service needs while creating new opportunities for downtown redevelopment and economic growth.
BESSEMER CITY, N.C. – The City of Bessemer City is moving forward with a major investment in public safety and community development through plans to construct a new fire station along East Virginia Avenue. The project represents an important step in strengthening emergency services, preparing for future growth, and encouraging new private investment near downtown.
As part of this initiative, the City is pursuing the purchase of approximately six acres of property along East Virginia Avenue, extending from the vicinity of the Kintegra Health building toward the intersection of Virginia Avenue and Eighth Street.
The property is envisioned to serve three primary purposes: a new fire station, an area designated for future private redevelopment, and a small public pocket park on a portion of the property that is not suitable for traditional development.
City Council has unanimously approved a design agreement with Beam Construction Company, Inc., which was selected through a qualifications-based design-build process. The initial phase will focus on designing a fire station that meets the operational needs of Bessemer City’s growing Fire Department.
Investing in Public Safety
The new fire station will provide improved space for fire personnel, emergency apparatus, equipment, and daily operations. As Bessemer City continues to experience residential, commercial, and industrial growth, the City recognizes the importance of ensuring emergency services have the facilities and resources necessary to serve an expanding community.
The project builds upon recent efforts to strengthen fire protection services, including the City’s continued investment in professional staffing and transitioning toward a more comprehensive fire service.
The City has secured $2.15 million in state grant funding to support its broader Public Safety Capital Project, along with an additional $136,000 in state funding for the project area. Together, these funds represent approximately $2.29 million in outside investment supporting the City’s public safety and capital improvement efforts.
While the new fire station is the immediate priority, the City will continue strategically evaluating the long-term facility needs of both the Fire and Police Departments. Future phases may include expanding the new facility to accommodate police operations or renovating the existing fire station for Police Department use. These decisions will be evaluated as the initial fire station project progresses and additional funding opportunities are identified.
Creating Opportunities for Economic Development
Beyond the fire station, the City’s acquisition of the property presents an opportunity to encourage redevelopment along an important corridor connecting to downtown Bessemer City.
The City anticipates setting aside a portion of the property for future private investment, with the goal of encouraging business development, appropriate density, walkability, and growth consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and long-term land development vision.
A smaller portion of the property, which is not suitable for traditional building development, is also envisioned as a pocket park or public green space.
By coordinating public safety improvements with redevelopment opportunities, the City hopes to transform underutilized property into an area that supports community services, attracts investment, and strengthens the connection between downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
Mayor Becky S. Smith expressed excitement about the project’s potential to serve multiple community priorities.
“Protecting the lives and property of our citizens will always be one of our most important responsibilities,” said Mayor Smith. “As Bessemer City continues to grow, we must make thoughtful investments that support the men and women who serve our community. What makes this project especially exciting is that we are not only investing in a much-needed fire station, but also creating opportunities for economic development and future investment near our downtown. This project accomplishes both, and it reflects our commitment to building a safe, strong, and vibrant community for generations to come.”
A Strategic Investment in Bessemer City’s Future
The project directly supports City Council’s adopted FY 2027 Strategic Plan, particularly Goal 2: Ensure a safe and secure community for residents and visitors.
Under Strategy 2.1, the City is directed to advance identified public safety facility, staffing, and operational needs, including continued planning for a new public safety building and developing a phased implementation plan for facility improvements.
The project also supports Strategy 2.2, which focuses on identifying funding resources for public safety capital needs, and Strategy 3.3, which calls for aligning buildings, infrastructure, and service improvements with community growth plans.
The City’s vision is to make investments that meet current needs while preparing Bessemer City for continued growth and development.
Next Steps
The City will continue environmental assessments, property acquisition due diligence, site planning, and facility design. These activities will help determine how the property can best accommodate the new fire station while preserving opportunities for redevelopment and public green space.
Following completion of the design phase and necessary approvals, the City anticipates moving into a future construction phase. A separate construction agreement and project schedule will be considered as planning progresses.
The City looks forward to sharing additional updates as this important project advances.
Bessemer City – City with a Heart
Heartfelt Living
For more information about the City’s Strategic Plan and ongoing capital improvement initiatives, visit www.bessemercity.com/strategic-plan
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