The End of an Era: Celebrating the Legacy of Redmond’s Old Fire House Teen Center

For decades, the Old Fire House Teen Center served as more than just a building in Redmond, Washington; it was a cultural sanctuary for youth and a cornerstone of the local music scene. Now, as the city prepares to demolish the historic structure to make way for a modern facility, the community is gathering to honor its lasting impact.

A Sanctuary for Sound and Youth

The 74-year-old building has worn many hats over its lifetime, serving as a fire and police station, a YMCA, and even city hall. Still, it found its most defining purpose in 1992 when it opened as the Old Fire House Teen Center. For generations of residents, it became an artistic refuge where teenagers could explore their passions in a safe, all-ages environment.

The center was particularly influential in fostering the DIY movement of the late 1990s. Musicians like Tomo Nakayama recall the space as a place of empowerment where teens learned the intricacies of the music industry—from networking and promoting shows to creating posters. This grassroots environment helped launch careers not only for performers but as well for sound engineers and tour managers.

The venue’s prestige was cemented by the legendary acts that graced its stage, including Modest Mouse, Bikini Kill, The Blood Brothers, and Elliot Smith, according to KUOW.

Closure and the Fight to Save OFH

The center’s operation came to an abrupt halt in early 2025. Following a city-wide building inspection that yielded negative results, Redmond Parks director Loreen Hamilton closed the facility immediately due to safety concerns, as reported by Redmond Moments.

The closure sparked a passionate community response. A group known as “Save OFH” rallied to protect the historic building, gathering nearly 4,000 signatures on a petition to keep the original structure intact. Whereas the advocacy highlighted the center’s cultural vitality, the City Council ultimately voted unanimously to demolish and rebuild the center at its original location on NE 79th St.

Building the Future: The Novel Teen Center

While the original building will be lost, the City of Redmond has committed to continuing the legacy of the Old Fire House. The City Council’s approval for the new construction includes several mandates to ensure the new space meets the needs of today’s youth:

• Teen-Centered Design: The design process will prioritize voices from the teenage community.
• Music Infrastructure: The new facility will include a dedicated recording studio and music performance spaces.
• Expedited Construction: The city is prioritizing speed to reduce the time youth are without a dedicated center.

Legacy Celebration: April 4, 2026

To bid farewell to the historic site, the City of Redmond is hosting a community celebration today, Saturday, April 4, from 2 p.m. To 6 p.m. The event takes place outdoors at 16510 NE 79th St, rain or shine. While there is no access to the interior of the building, the festivities capture the spirit of the center’s history.

Event Highlights

The celebration features a blend of music, art, and community storytelling:

• Live Music: A main stage lineup featuring The Hit (2 p.m.), Mae Amber (3 p.m.), Tomo Nakayama (3:50 p.m.), Fight Milk (4:40 p.m.), and Suzzallo (5:20 p.m.). An acoustic jam tent is also available for community participation.
• Interactive Art: Attendees can contribute to community timelines and participate in a teen-led fingerprint activity.
• Screen Printing: The VERA Project is hosting a live demonstration. Attendees can bring an old t-shirt for a free print or purchase blank shirts for $7 (or 2 for $10), featuring the original 1994 Grand Opening illustration or the Old Fire House logo.
• Memory Collection: A videographer and photo booth are on-site to collect stories and photos from the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the new teen center being built?
The new center will be built in the original location of the Old Fire House on NE 79th St in Redmond.

Can I go inside the Old Fire House during the April 4th event?
No. According to the City of Redmond, the event is outdoors and there will be no access to the inside of the building.

What will the new center include that the old one didn’t?
The city has specifically included a dedicated recording studio and modernized music performance spaces in the redevelopment plan.

As the Old Fire House prepares for demolition, it leaves behind a blueprint for how cities can support youth creativity. While the bricks and mortar may vanish, the influence of the DIY spirit and the music that echoed through its halls will continue in the next generation of Redmond’s artists.