Columbus's Upcoming Fire Truck Museum Receives a Vibrant Renovation

Four months after Columbus’s new fire hall went online, a fire hall of a different sort gets to work putting on some extra touches.

"The last month and a half has been the renovation and restoration of what was known as the Nielsen Garage into the museum," said Dennis Hirschbrunner, president of the Columbus Area Antique Fire Apparatus Preservation Society.

A fresh new paint job, brand new windows, wood-styled garage doors, and a totally renovated sidewalk have lit up 13th street in a way that’s gotten people really talking.

"I couldn't be more pleased. It is amazing," Hirschbrunner said, "I have had many many phone calls from different people that have gone by the building and then called me and said how great it looks."

He may not have been a volunteer himself, but Hirschbruner’s family has been a part of the volunteer fire department for 3 generations.

And his grandfather was one of its founding members.

The Nielsen Garage has a legacy of being a popular traveling stop for commuting Model T’s A century ago.

And Hirschbrunner says it’s been the perfect place stage his museum.

"This building is built so solid. I mean, this is an over 100-year-old building, and it is really in great shape," he said.

"And now with the improvements that we've made, I think it really looks awesome."

He has 8 trucks on display right now, and he’s looking to expand his collection even more.

He’s planning to open the Columbus Antique Fire Truck Museum, with scheduled tours of the inside sometime this coming Spring.