Side-by-side photos show Fire Station 35’s exterior before and after renovations, with the older yellow facade on the left and the updated white, red and brick firehouse entrance on the right.

Before-and-after images show the exterior of Los Feliz Fire Station 35, from its older facade to a brighter, modernized station entrance.

Photos courtesy of LFIA

Los Feliz—Fire Station 35 just got a little help from the neighborhood.

The Los Feliz Improvement Association recently held an open house showing long-overdue improvements to living conditions at the firehouse, including a new gym and repairs to the ceiling tiles.


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The LFIA raised around $35,000, according to Debra Matlock, president of the group. But others apparently pitched in much more, she said.

“Our fundraising efforts inspired some community members who wish to remain anonymous, and they have contributed well north of what LFIA was able to give,” Matlock said.


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When fundraising efforts arose two years ago, there had been injuries from ceiling tiles falling on sleeping firefighters in the dormitory, according to Chris Laib, the chair of the LFIA’s Development Committee. Windows had also been painted shut. The air conditioning was weak, and the specialized washer and dryer were rusted and undersized.

Matlock said the money that was raised has gone into an account specific to Station 35 for them to use as needed, and she is not privy to how all those funds were spent.

“We’re very excited to go to the open house and see the upgrades,” she said. “We were appalled at the conditions in the dormitory; a community needs well-rested firefighters!”

Los Feliz Fire station 35 ceilings before and after

Before-and-after images show damaged ceiling tiles and a newly upgraded gym area at Los Feliz Fire Station 35.

Photos courtesy of LFIA

Side-by-side photos show an empty indoor court with scuffed walls and wood flooring next to a renovated fire station gym with weight racks, dumbbells, exercise equipment and wall-mounted TVs.

Before-and-after images show the former recreation court area at Fire Station 35 transformed into an upgraded gym with weights, racks and workout equipment.

Photos courtesy of LFIA

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