CHARLESTON – Charleston Fire Department leaders will soon have a new home. Mayor Joe Riley says the new building, which will be located on Heriot and King Streets will be spacious and centrally located.

"It will have five bays, will house two engine companies and a hazardous material unit," Mayor Riley said.

The administrative offices will also move to the new headquarters building. They are currently located at the building on Wentworth and Meeting Streets.

"There was no elbow room. What we need is modern efficient place for the command staff of our fire department," Mayor Riley said.

The older building also did not meet the American and Disability Act requirements. The new building will be up to code and place the department's key staff in a location close to I-26.

The facility will replace a current structure that city officials say was condemned due to unsafe living conditions, including mold and asbestos.

"It had to be closed. It had some structural problems that prevented its cost effectively being renovated. Plus, we needed a larger facility," Mayor Riley said.

The project will cost about $5.5 million, which is funded from a bond issue city council passed several years ago, according to Mayor Riley.

story by WCIV-TV Channel 4, Charleston