IAFF Local 22, the firefighters and paramedics union, on Dec. 22 made settlement on its new headquarters at 9189-91 Torresdale Ave. (at Linden Avenue).
Local 22 paid $2.3 million for the property, which is zoned for industrial use. The union was given a variance by the Zoning Board of Adjustment on Dec. 10.
Earlier, the Upper Holmesburg Civic Association gave its OK. City Councilman Mike Driscoll supports the project. Mike Bresnan, a Torresdale resident and president of Local 22, also gave a presentation to the East Torresdale Civic Association.
Local 22 will be moving into space that once belonged to Lincoln Technical Institute, which moved to Bucks County.
At present, Local 22 is in a 10,000-square-foot building at 415 N. 5th St. There are only about 25 spots in an adjacent parking lot. The property will be sold.
“We outlived that space,” Bresnan said.
The union is working with an architect, and Bresnan expects work to take at least a year. He believes the site will increase property values in the area.
“This is going to be the gem of the neighborhood,” he said.
There are two buildings on the property.
The one closest to Torresdale and Linden will be home to union offices and a hall for meetings and events such as awards ceremonies and transfer and retirement parties.
“It’s going to be a beautiful building,” Bresnan said.
The rear building will feature the health plan offices and a gym, and there will be an outdoor fountain and memorial for members who died in the line of duty.
The property will have fencing and newly planted trees, along with room for 140 to 160 parking spots. Most days, there will be 7-12 employees.
Active and retired Local 22 members will have access to the buildings, and the union will consider associate members.
While it will take time to rehab the property, Bresnan said he is eager for work to begin.
“We have our foot on the gas pedal,” he said. ••
