Des Moines Fire Station No. 11, located at 4150 E. 42nd St, opened this week. Construction of the station began in August 2019 with the demolition of a former motel. The project progressed that year when funding increased for firefighter staffing through the infusion of revenue from the local option sales and service tax. The cost of the station, including the purchase of the 3-acre tract, architectural design, building site preparation and construction, totaled $8 million. The station is expected to improve fire protection and response times to residents who live in the burgeoning northeast section of Des Moines. Fun fact: The station is the Des Moines Fire Department’s second No. 11 station, according to information provided by the city. The first No. 11 station was located at West 24th Street and North Avenue (now called University Avenue). It opened in 1894. When Engine 11 was discontinued in November 1938, the station was renumbered as Station No. 5.