Not a cosy starter-home. Heritage fire hall in Cranbrook, B.C., up for sale

CRANBROOK, B.C. – If you are looking for a heritage property with lots of character, the City of Cranbrook may have the listing for you — as long as you’re in the market for a fire hall.

Councillors in the southeastern B.C., city, about 900 kilometres east of Vancouver, have set the price for Fire Hall No. 1, a two-storey, 640-square-metre brick building built in 1929.

Council hopes to fetch $349,000 for the hall, which comes with three large truck bays, a smaller adjoining garage and a separate side entrance, but no word on a fire pole.

The fire department moved out last year and the decision to sell came after the city rejected a local arts group’s request for $50,000 to make the building its new home.

Prospective buyers will have to take the fire hall “as is,” and must satisfy council requirements for renovation and purpose, but the city is promising various tax breaks in return.

Cranbrook stands to earn a hefty profit if it nets the asking price for the old hall, which was built 86-years ago at a cost of $12,144.00. (CHBZ)