PHOTO: Lemont Fire Station 1 Gets a Makeover

Lemont residents will notice a new look to Fire Station No. 1 on New Avenue this week, as workers wrap up improvements and updates to the building.

Chief Carl Churulo of the said Friday that the outside of Station No. 1 was recently updated with limestone, a beige facade and bright red overhead doors. Changes were made to the formerly dark brown entrance to make the building look "more modern," he said.

The department also plans to update six of the offices and the front lobby with fresh paint and new paneling, Churulo said.

Station No. 1 was built in 1976 to accomodate the growing department. At the time, it was built mostly for volunteers, Churulo said. Today, the station houses mostly full-time firefighters.

The community is invited to to Station No. 1, 15900 New Ave., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday for the . The event will commemorate the department's 125th anniversary, and will include free food and activities for kids.