Schererville’s Central Fire Station project took a major step forward on Wednesday with the awarding of a $375,000 architectural and engineering bid to CSK Architects of Hammond.

The Schererville Town Council voted 4-1, with Councilman Caleb Johnson, R-5th, dissenting.

Town Council Town Council President Tom Schmitt, D-4th, said the new station represents an estimated $5 million to $7 million investment in the town’s public safety infrastructure. He expects CSK Architects to complete its work sometime this fall, and then the town can then award a construction contract.

“Our goal is to have the new facility ready by late 2025,” Schmitt said, adding that weather will play a factor in the timeline.

He added that the project will be financed through a bond issue.

The new station will be built in a downtown location on Anna Street near the town’s water tower. It will be the town’s primary emergency services hub, featuring a modernized training facility, expanded administrative office space, a comfortable living quarters for firefighters and more room for equipment.

The fire department is currently headquartered at Joliet Street (Old Lincoln Highway) and Cline Avenue, and will be retired once the new station opens. Station #2, 280 Plum Creek Drive, and Station #3, 1949 Springvale Drive, will remain open.

The town’s first fire station was opened in 1914 just west of the railroad tracks on the north side of Joliet Street. Some years later the building was moved east of the tracks across from a public school. A shortage of men during World War I years made it necessary for town’s volunteer fire department to disband from 1917 until 1920, according to the town’s website.

Fire Chief Robert Patterson announced department will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Station No. 2 in the Plum Creek Neighborhood.

The event will include a car extrication demonstration, kids obstacle course, hands-only CPR training and an opportunity to spray a fire hose, as well as free bicycle helmets and food.

Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.