CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Two of Corpus Christi’s oldest fire stations are finally getting a long-overdue upgrade.

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The city is spending millions in voter-approved bond money to tear down and rebuild Fire Station 8 on Kostoryz and Fire Station 10 at Greenwood and Horne, both of which date back to the Eisenhower administration.

Station 8 was built in 1955 and, according to firefighters, it shows. The bay floor has literally sunk several inches over the years, forcing newer, heavier fire engines to squeeze into a space built for much smaller rigs.

“The flooring has dropped about three or four inches,” said Deputy Fire Chief Doug Matthijetz. “It’s just outlived its life cycle.”

The new Station 8 will be 12,000 square feet, more than double its current size, and feature three drive-through bays designed for today’s larger equipment. Its design was inspired by Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church across the street….complete with archways and tile-style roofing to blend into the neighborhood.

“They actually drive around the community and pull design elements from what’s around it,” Matthijetz said.

Firefighter/Paramedic Ian Mitchell says even though he’s grown attached to the old place, the update is long overdue.

“There’s gremlins all over this place,” Mitchell said. “The A/C never stops, and it’s not insulated. I love working here, but I’m ready for something shiny.”

Station 10 will also get a full rebuild. Its new look will honor the Molina neighborhood’s character while replacing a structure that’s seen generations of firefighters pass through its doors.

“It’s bittersweet,” said Captain Patrick Frost of Station 10. “The fire department is rooted in tradition. There’s so much history here, but we know it’s time.”

Inside both old stations are reminders of the past, photos of former firefighters, vintage fire trucks.

Construction on both stations is expected to begin in the next few months. When complete, they’ll give firefighters a safer, cleaner, and more modern home…a long-awaited boost for those who protect the city day and night.