When Evanston formally opens its newest fire station Friday, it will also be the “greenest” city building.

The station, scheduled for a grand opening at 3 p.m. Friday, is located two miles from Northwestern’s campus at 2830 Central St. – the same location as that of the 50-year-old station that officials tore down in 2007.

“We really outgrew the old station, and some of our trucks couldn’t even fit in it,” said Evanston Fire Department Division Chief Tom Janetske. “It became very cost-effective to tear it down and build a new one.”

The rebuilding cost $4.7 million and made the station almost two and a half times as large as the old facility, according to a statement released by the fire department. The new 14,260 square foot facility includes three new bays for fire trucks and a two-story living area.

The station, which began conducting operations last month, is the first city building eligible to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, an environmentally-friendly designation given out by the U.S. Green Building Council.

“It’s probably the highest standard for green buildings that’s nationally recognized at the moment,” said Carolyn Collopy, Evanston’s Sustainable Programs coordinator. “It’s a big deal. It’s an exciting thing and we’re very proud of this project.”

The city has already applied for the certification, which comes with a $100,000 grant, Collopy said. Evanston Facilities Manager David Cook was not immediately available for comment.

Developers had the designation in mind when they tore down the old building in September 2007, Janetske said. Rebuilding began immediately, and the surrounding residents were never without fire protection.

The new station, one mile from Ryan Field and a little less than two miles from North Campus, may respond to on-campus calls, the division chief said.

Continuing to build LEED buildings is the city’s “plan moving forward,” Collopy said.

The fire department responds to more than 9,000 service calls annually, including more than 500 to NU buildings.

– BRIAN ROSENTHAL