The City of Chicago is seeking a buyer for an empty fire station at 1123 W. Roosevelt. Built in 1873, the structure has been empty since the summer of 2008, when the fire department’s Engine Company 18 moved out of the building and into a new, modern station at 1360 S. Blue Island.

A Department of Community Development staff report says the city will seek $300,000 for the 5,500-square foot structure. A request for proposals that will be released March 15 states a preference for a commercial or mixed-use development in the empty station.

The community development staff report says the city will “only consider proposals that propose adaptive reuse of the existing building.” Maintaining the building’s front facade is “encouraged.” The current facade has been in place since 1916.

The Fire Museum of Greater Chicago had hoped to gain control of the building after Engine Company 18 moved out two years ago, a representative from the organization told Chicago Journal then.