IMPORTANT: After you sign, you will be asked if you want to chip in/donate - those donations do not go to our group and future efforts, they go to Change.org to promote petitions on the platform and cover operational costs. If you would like to donate directly to our cause, please visit: https://www.givesendgo.com/SaveOFH

To: Redmond Mayor Angela Birney and Redmond City Council Members Jeralee Anderson, Steve Fields, Jessica Forsythe, Vanessa Kritzer, Angie Nuevacamina, Osman Salahuddin, and Melissa Stuart

The Old Fire House Teen Center in Redmond has been a cherished and valuable community asset for middle school and high school aged kids for decades. Located in the heart of Redmond, the center provides a safe alternative community space for teens and welcomes all teens regardless of race, gender, or economic status. 

The center provides teens with a full digital recording studio, performance stages, and a game room/lounge. The center is more than just classes, it is a safe space in the community for teens by teens where they can go to thrive. The center is centrally located in downtown Redmond with easy access to bus lines to surrounding communities - empowering teens from neighboring towns to become a part of the unique arts community. 

This center is unequivocally vital. 

However, this cherished establishment is being shut down at the end of this month (March 2025). Hundreds of teens will be stripped of this pivotal space and the city will lose a valuable and culturally historic music and arts venue. 

Providing classes or "services" at "other locations," as the City has announced it plans to do, will be no substitute for this critical community asset. 

The building holds historical significance as part of the PNW music scene, being one of the first all ages music venues. It has played a significant role in the early careers of many successful bands including Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, Waxwing, and Sunny Day Real Estate, just to name a few. This adds a layer of inspiration and value to the center for teens. The center continues to host concerts and offer teens full access to instruments and a decked out recording studio. No replacement is planned.

We must join hands in opposing this closure, and save our community's cherished institution. By doing so, we safeguard our history, preserve our cultural heritage and ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from all that the Old Fire House Teen Center offers.

Please sign this petition and tell Mayor Birney and Redmond City Council to Stop the closure of Old Fire House!

If you would like to get involved, please write to saveofh@gmail.com or visit https://saveofh.com/.

IMPORTANT: After you sign, you will be asked if you want to chip in/donate - those donations do not go to our group and future efforts, they go to Change.org to promote petitions on the platform and cover operational costs. If you would like to donate directly to our cause, please visit: https://www.givesendgo.com/SaveOFH