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Redmond council approves demolition contract for Old Firehouse teen center after heated public testimony
Summary
After an evening of sustained public comment urging delay, the Redmond City Council approved a demolition contract for the Old Firehouse teen center (item 26058) by roll-call vote, 6–1, with officials saying demolition is needed to advance a faster progressive design‑build replacement process.
A majority of the Redmond City Council voted to approve the contract to demolish the Old Firehouse teen center, despite hours of public testimony asking the council to delay demolition until a clear rebuild plan and fuller community engagement are completed.
Council President Stewart opened the vote after an extended public-comment period that drew dozens of residents, teens and historic-preservation advocates. Wolfie Adriatico urged the council to "pull item number 26058 from the consent agenda pending further consideration," saying the city should "postpone the demolition ... and undergo the design phase concurrent with community engagement" (Wolfie Adriatico).
Speakers across the night described the Old Firehouse (often referred to as OFH) as an irreplaceable youth space. Onyx Griffiths asked why staff were seeking a $9 million renovation or a $12 million rebuild figure "if no building has been planned" and warned the city against demolishing the structure before completing a…
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