We bought a $90K fire station and turned it into our dream home
Steven and Ashley purchased an abandoned fire station in 2016 for $90,000 and converted it into a 6,200 square foot dream home. The property has since appreciated to approximately $400,000. The couple creatively designed unique rooms including a theater, indoor soccer field, and nursery within the repurposed building.
Summary
Steven and Ashley share the story of their unconventional home purchase and renovation journey. In 2016, they bought an abandoned fire station near their former high school for $90,000, which has since grown in value to approximately $400,000. The building presented significant challenges from the start, with mold covering the entire interior requiring visitors to sign waivers before entering.
The converted fire station spans approximately 6,200 square feet and features four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Beyond the standard living spaces, the couple designed a dream kitchen and an atrium they consider a favorite feature, highlighted by a giant skylight and a 100-inch ceiling fan. A tornado slide was also installed, which their children enjoy.
The couple took a highly personalized approach to the remaining rooms, creating a home theater that was one of the first completed spaces and has since been renovated again. An indoor soccer stadium room was inspired by a childhood friend's home that had a similar feature, which left a lasting impression on Steven into adulthood. An unexpected pregnancy also led to one room being repurposed as a nursery, complete with a fire-themed bed to honor the building's history.
Key Insights
- Steven and Ashley purchased the abandoned fire station for $90,000 in 2016, and it has since appreciated to approximately $400,000, representing a significant return on their investment.
- The fire station was so heavily contaminated with mold when purchased that prospective buyers had to sign waivers before being allowed to enter the building.
- Ashley identifies the atrium as her favorite part of the house, citing its giant skylight and 100-inch ceiling fan as standout features.
- An unexpected pregnancy changed the intended use of one room, turning it into a nursery with a fire-themed bed to reflect the building's original purpose, which Ashley says she loves more than the original plan.
- Steven's decision to build an indoor soccer stadium room was directly inspired by a childhood friend's home that had a similar feature, a memory he carried into adulthood and ultimately recreated.
Topics
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