Iowa Couple Turns Abandoned Fire Station Into Dream Home After Bold $90K Gamble

In 2016, Steven and Ashley Evans took a chance that most families wouldn't consider. They bought an abandoned, black-mold-covered fire station in Cedar Rapids for $90,000, and nearly a decade later, they've turned it into a stunning family home that honors the building's history while creating a legacy for their kids.

The couple, both graduates of the local high school near the station, never imagined they'd own the property they'd passed daily as teenagers. But after a secret offer and years of sweat equity, the Evans family now lives in a 6,000-square-foot custom home with a theater room, a soccer-themed playroom, and even a vintage fire truck in the backyard.

How a $90,000 gamble became a family legacy

Steven Evans, 40, told CNBC Make It that he and his wife always dreamed of living near their old high school. When the 1960s-era fire station hit the market for $125,000 in 2016, the couple initially dismissed it. They were struggling financially, with Ashley working as a dermatology nurse and Steven managing rental properties while supporting adults with special needs.

But after touring the property, Steven secretly submitted a $90,000 offer without telling his wife. It was accepted. He revealed the purchase the next day, hoping to surprise Ashley with the news that they now owned the fire station they'd admired for years.

Rebuilding a fire station from the ground up

The building, first constructed in 1960 and converted to a residence in the 1980s, had been abandoned for years. It was covered in black mold, lacked walls, electricity, and even a working toilet when the couple closed on it in June 2016. They had to sign safety waivers just to enter the property.

Steven was drawn to the structure's solid bones. “The thing that attracted me the most to the fire station would be the fact that it's all concrete and steel. The bones were solid, the house was level; any other house would have fallen over easily by now,” he said.

The couple financed the purchase with a $170,000 construction loan under Steven's rental property business, planning to flip the home. But as the renovation progressed, they realized they couldn't let it go.

Renovation costs and budget-friendly strategies

With an initial budget of $80,000, the Evans did most of the work themselves. Major expenses included:

• Paint: $1,100
• Drywall: $4,000
• Flooring: $5,000
• Kitchen addition: $10,000
• Roof: $22,000

Ashley said they scoured clearance aisles and accepted donated materials to keep costs down. “Whatever we could find on clearance, whatever people wanted to give us, that is how we would remodel it. Just trying to make it look the best we can on the cheapest budget,” she explained. Steven added, “If it didn't match, we'd spray paint it to match.”

Preserving history while building a home

The couple kept several original features, including the old hose tower, garage doors, a historic plaque, and a massive skylight. They even purchased a vintage fire truck for their kids to play with in the backyard.

Inside, they created a theater room and a playroom designed like a soccer field with fake turf. Steven said he was inspired by childhood memories of indoor soccer fields and wanted to recreate that experience for his children.

Financial journey and future plans

In 2019, the Evans refinanced into a balloon mortgage, and again in 2024, now paying around $3,190 monthly at a 7.59% interest rate. They've also invested in solar panels, keeping their electricity bill remarkably low at just $17.49 per month.

Beyond the fire station, the couple bought the house next door in 2020 for Ashley's parents, and another property in 2024, which they now list as a fully booked Airbnb rental called the “cozy cottage.”

Despite offers from curious viewers, the Evans say they'll never sell the fire station. “We talk about what it would be like to live in a house that was already finished all the time... But also, I can't imagine living in a house that was completely new and that we didn't put any blood, sweat and tears into,” Ashley said. “It's a dream home for our kids to grow up in. And just for us to be so proud that we can provide for our kids to grow up in this home, it means a lot.”

What does this story mean for Iowa families?

The Evans' journey is a testament to the value of hard work, creative financing, and seeing potential where others see blight. For Iowa families facing housing challenges, this story offers a blueprint for turning abandoned properties into cherished homes while preserving local history.

As the couple continues to expand their property portfolio and share their story online, they've become an inspiration for those who dream of building something lasting from the ground up.