Firehouse in Rockaway for sale for $1

The city is looking for community, arts and cultural groups to take over a shuttered firehouse at Rockaway Beach Blvd. and Beach 59th St. in Arverne.

A dollar & a dream in Arverne

For $1, the new owner will get the site, warts and all. So the buyer will need deep pockets - or some well-heeled donors to foot the bill for repairs.

The building needs a top-to-bottom renovation. Because the 7,200-square-foot firehouse was built in 1931, there also may be environmental concerns involving lead paint and asbestos.

Firefighters from Engine 265 moved out of the building to another site about four years ago.

The site is part of an urban renewal area slated for new housing and a nature center in the coming months and years, said Clare Newman, project manager for the EDC.

The city, along with local officials and community groups, will review the proposals, and is looking for a use that will "benefit the community," she said.

The experience of the team that makes the proposal also will be considered.

Proposals are due by Jan. 8.