Temple’s Former Fire Station No. 2 to Be Reborn as Community First Non-Profit Hub
Temple’s long-vacant Fire Department No. 2 is preparing for a powerful comeback — this time as a center of learning, collaboration, and community support. Located at 1018 E Avenue E, the historic facility, once abandoned and later used by Family Promise before their relocation, is now set to become the Community First Non-Profit Hub, a first-of-its-kind shared workspace for nonprofit organizations across Temple and Bell County.
The Hub, operating under New Life Community Development Center, Inc., will house 13 nonprofit partners offering an integrated network of wraparound services. Families, youth, and individuals will have access to workforce development training, digital literacy programs, mentoring, financial education, health resources, housing assistance, and arts-based enrichment — all under one roof.
“This building has always had strong bones, and I knew it still had purpose,” said Dr. Zoe Grant, who leads the umbrella nonprofit behind the project. “Long before I ran for office, I inquired about the building. When I learned it was scheduled for demolition, I asked one more time — and that request halted the process. It’s been a long wait, but well worth it. We’re excited to breathe new life into this space for the community it has always served.”
The City of Temple is preparing an agreement to convey the building for public use, with a reversion clause should that purpose ever change. The projected closing is set for January, at which time restoration and interior transformation will begin. Plans include converting the former firetruck bays into technology-driven data labs, adding a boardroom, and preparing flexible working and learning spaces.
What Organizations Gain
Nonprofits joining the Hub will benefit from:
• Shared facilities, high-speed internet, conference rooms, and meeting areas
• An on-site administrator for scheduling and operations
• Increased visibility through a centralized, trusted community location
• Stronger partnerships through daily collaboration
• Reduced overhead by sharing costs
• Expanded reach through a central location and steady community traffic
The facility will also be home to KTCP 98.7 FM – K Temple Radio, a community-based radio station and podcast studio expected to reach more than 500,000 residents across Bell County and surrounding areas. The station will highlight storytelling, education, youth involvement, cultural awareness, and community-centered broadcasts.
Community members — including youth, seniors, nonprofits, churches, and neighborhood groups — will be invited to participate in training opportunities, interviews, program development, and special broadcasting events.
With opening preparations underway, the Community First Non-Profit Hub is inviting mission-aligned partners to join the effort. A capital campaign featuring naming rights for rooms, studios, and shared spaces is now live at templecommunitycollab.com/non-profit-hub.
Temple’s former Fire Station No. 2 is on its way to becoming a living example of collaboration, community investment, and empowerment — a place where residents, nonprofits, and local leaders can build a stronger future together.
