Columbia Unveils $5.17M Renovation of Fire Station No. 1

Issue #523

August 11, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly cloudy w/ High of 97, low of 72.

📰 Columbia Unveils $5.17M Renovation of Fire Station No. 1

📰 Skip the DMV: New Self-Service Driver License Kiosk Now Open in Spring Hill

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Columbia Unveils $5.17M Renovation of Fire Station No. 1

The City of Columbia proudly celebrated the grand reopening of Fire Station No. 1 on Friday, unveiling a newly renovated and expanded facility that marks the most significant upgrade to the station since it was originally built in 1978. The ribbon cutting ceremony, held at the station located at 1000 S. Garden Street, marked the culmination of a project years in the making, with planning beginning in 2022 and construction officially starting in 2023. The total investment in the project was approximately $5.17 million.

Joining city officials and community members for the occasion was Commissioner of Commerce and Insurance and State Fire Marshal Carter Lawrence, who participated in the ceremony and offered his support in celebrating this significant milestone for Columbia’s public safety infrastructure.

“This renovation isn’t just about improving a building, it’s about investing in the safety and readiness of our firefighters and ensuring the public is served from a facility that’s as strong as the community it protects,” said Fire Chief Chris Cummins.

The upgraded station includes a number of critical improvements aimed at enhancing both operational efficiency and the working conditions for first responders. The facility now features expanded east and west wings, allowing for increased square footage to support staff and equipment. It also includes separate male and female sleeping quarters, a new kitchen and firefighter lounge, and dedicated administrative office space. One of the most significant additions is an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), built to withstand up to an F4 tornado, ensuring continuity of operations during severe weather events. A new multi-functional training room has also been added, which can serve as an emergency shelter if needed. To improve public accessibility, the station now has a repositioned entrance and expanded parking area, along with five apparatus bay doors to accommodate emergency vehicles.

“This project represents a meaningful investment in our city’s public safety infrastructure and the people who work every day to keep our community safe,” said Mayor Chaz Molder. “It’s more than a new look; it’s a renewed commitment to public safety, preparedness, and service. It exemplifies our commitment to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to saving the lives of others. And, it is a significant upgrade for our flagship fire station, which is a flagship fire department in the State of Tennessee.”

City Manager Tony Massey also emphasized the long-term value of the project: “The reopening of Fire Station No. 1 reflects our continued commitment to investing in essential infrastructure that supports the safety and well-being of our community,” he said. 

The reopening of Fire Station No. 1 represents another step forward in the City of Columbia’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality services and facilities that meet the needs of a growing community.

Skip the DMV: New Self-Service Driver License Kiosk Now Open in Spring Hill

The Spring Hill Police Department has announced that a Driver License Self-Service Kiosk is now available in the lobby of their headquarters at 800 Hathaway Blvd. 

Skip the trip to the DMV and take care of things like:

  • Renewing your driver license

  • Getting a duplicate license or ID

  • Changing your address

  • Paying reinstatement fees in full

The kiosk is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment needed! This is available to all Tennessee residents. You can live in any county. The self-service kiosks cannot accept cash or check. A credit or debit card is required to use a self-service kiosk. Your license will be mailed to you. 

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Monday, August 11th

Tuesday, August 12th

Wednesday, August 13th

Thursday, August 14th

Friday, August 15th

More Events Coming Soon!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Aug 14 - 23: Tennessee State Fair (Lebanon)
Aug 22: Tennessee Titans First Pre-Season Home Game
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, August 12th

Songwriters Open Mic, Whiskey Alley, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Justen Harden, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Wednesday, August 13th

Austin Byrd, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, August 14th

Robb Harris, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Neal Pennington, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
TBA, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 - 9:00 PM

Friday, August 15th

TBA, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Ryan Keeler, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Karaoke Night, Grinder’s Switch Winery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Tom & Robert, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Eastern Dreamers, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
TBA, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Lydia Rae, Grazie! Italian Eatery, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Zone Status, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Song Writers Round, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM

Saturday, August 16th

Miles Damaso Group, Puckett’s 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Grasskickers, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Bethany Trainor, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
The Howlin’ Embers, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
DNR, Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Mike Peter’s, Grazie! Italian Eatery, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
The Ultimate 90’s Experience, The Mulehouse, 8:00 PM
Tough Enough, The Boondox, 8:00 PM 
Box of Rox, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, August 17th 

TBA, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Vince & Brett, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

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