Augusta’s historic Engine Company No. 7 is headed to new life, likely as an upscale Neapolitan pizzeria with potentially more included in its new owners’ plans.
The Augusta Commission agreed to sell the Central Avenue station, built in 1914 as Augusta’s first to house motorized fire engines, last month to Augusta couple Jim James and Lizanne Sekul for $550,000.
“This iconic property has tremendous potential, not only as a restaurant, but also provides other viable opportunities for giving back to our community,” wrote the couple in their proposal to the city.
The Augusta Press obtained the proposal and other sale documents through an open records request. The documents included a second proposal from another interested developer team.
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Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate marketed and brokered the sale as a way to “own a piece of local history.” City officials debated what to do with the vacant station, now too small to house fire apparatus, for years before finally deciding to sell it last year.
James and Sekul, who are an Augusta National Golf Club hospitality executive and MCG pediatric neurologist each on the verge of retirement, intend to renovate both the station and an adjacent former firefighter training center, according to their proposal.
The couple believes that between both floors of No. 7 and the training center there could be “two distinct restaurant concepts,” in addition to event space and even a third business.
“We believe that at least one will be a higher-end Neapolitan pizza restaurant,” the proposal said.
The plan is inspired by a restaurant in Chicago, the Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, a former 1905 fire station converted to a restaurant in 2000, it said.
The couple anticipates assistance with the pizza concept from Enzo Coccia, who was named “Master of Pizza Napoletana” by the Michelin Guide.
Additional dining options could include event space of up to 150 seats, small private dining spaces, outdoor dining, a gelato bar and even an Asian or sushi concept, it said.
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Giving back
In addition, the proposal includes an intent to provide competitive paid training and employment for about a dozen adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, an inclusion inspired by their son, Braxton.
The overall undertaking has projected gross revenue of $1.6 million to $3.8 million and create from 25-65 full- and part-time jobs, it said.
The proposal said the couple has already met with Historic Augusta Executive Director Erick Montgomery about applying for state and federal tax credits that benefit historic structures. And they plan to preserve the building’s historic character as much as possible.
“We plan to do everything within our power to maintain the charm and historical significance of this iconic Augusta landmark,” the proposal stated.
A timeline for the project includes architectural design, internal demolition and roofing being done this spring, construction in summer through winter and the restaurant opening in the spring of 2026.
The sales agreement includes a 12-month buy-back option if the purchaser doesn’t start renovations within 12 months of the sale.
Microbrewery was proposed
The other option Augusta Commissioners had before them came from father-and-son team John and Nathan McGarity for a neighborhood microbrewery.
The McGaritys, who opened Oconee Brewing Company in Greensboro, Ga., in 2017, offered $576,000 for the property.
The 11,000-square-foot Greensboro brewery includes a concert and event venue, tap room and light distribution footprint, according to their proposal to the city.
The Augusta proposal included beer with a local brand that embraced the historic elements of firefighting, an event lawn and beer garden. Food was being “highly considered” and better suited for the training center, with a plaza in between, it said.
