Work will start in 2023 on a new development, The Station at Saginaw, at the Central Fire Station property at 400 S. Saginaw Blvd. and 405 S. Belmont Street, which is approximately 2.5 acres. The fire station will be abandoned to make way for the development, City manager Gabe Reaume said.

“We’re all thrilled. We can’t wait to be there eating and having fun,” Reaume said.

The restaurant developer, Dallas-based Local Favorite, will use the original fire station, including the bays, for the restaurants. Local Favorite is bringing in Twisted Root Burger Company, La Ventana Taqueria and Del Toro BBQ & Brews.

Reaume said Saginaw is building a new fire station because of drainage issues in part of the current building. Engineers for Local Favorite will come up with a plan to address the drainage, he said.

Saginaw’s new fire station will be near the city hall on McLeroy Boulevard.

The city is selling the fire station property to the developer, Local Favorite, which will take possession once the new fire station is built and the fire department moves out, Reaume said.

The fire station was once Saginaw’s police department and city hall.

Mayor Todd Flippo said there is even a “tiny jail,” which the developer is likely to keep as part of the restaurant design.

The Station at Saginaw will help revitalize the southern portion of the city as much of the growth is taking place in the northern part, Flippo said.

“South Saginaw has felt left out,” he said.

The new restaurant development will create around 200 jobs, and serve as a “catalyst” for other projects in the area, he said.

“We are so excited. It’s finally come to fruition,” Flippo said. “I’ve said i want people to live, work and play in Saginaw It will pump a big shot of energy into this whole town.”

This story was originally published October 21, 2022 11:17 AM.