From left to right: Lori Walters from Winn Engineering, Karen from Karen Goodlow Designs, Lisa de Araujo Jorge from A&M Builders and Karina Young from Organicus Architecture.[/caption]

A local resident with a passion for creating community has plans to rehab a long vacant, historic East Nashville building that served as a firehouse for more than 40 years.

Karen Goodlow, an interior designer and owner of Grounds 2 Give coffee, took ownership this week of the former Gallatin Road Fire Hall Engine No. 18 at 1220 Gallatin Ave. from Wal-Mart. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Goodlow plans to create “affordable workspaces” for small and startup businesses and artists, along with an architectural salvage showroom open to the public. The 3,166-square-foot building also will serve as a retail space for Goodlow to sell Grounds 2 Give coffee, which donates a portion of its sales to provide basic needs for low income Nashville residents.

The building will be called The Station.

“It’s a beautiful old piece of architecture and history. … I think it’s just been an eyesore for so many people, so I think people are going to be excited,” Goodlow said.

SOURCE: Dilapidated East Nashville firehouse to get new life
By: lalfs@tennessean.com