By John Temple LigonTemple@TheColumbiaStar.com

Senate Street Fire Station

Developer Tom Prioreschi gained city council approval Wednesday, July 12, for his purchase of the Senate Street Fire Station, its fire drill tower, and surrounding property, all for $1,750,000. He plans to install 24 apartments in the existing two-story station, where he is holding enough area downstairs to accommodate the city's Fire Department Museum.

Behind the station, Prioreschi sees 60 condominium units over attached parking rising six stories adjacent to the six-story fire drill tower, which can work as stairs and maybe even an elevator shaft for the condominium tower. Two levels of parking are to be built under the 60 condominium units, and more parking may be made available in the state-owned garage next door. If the city buys the next-door garage and makes a long-term commitment with Prioreschi's project, Prioreschi offers to add another $600,000 to his purchase price for the fire station property, bringing the total to $2,350,000.

Sixty-unit condominium tower next to fire drill tower