DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A historic piece of downtown Daytona Beach could soon be transformed into a new dining destination.
The city of Daytona Beach is seeking restaurant developers and operators to turn Historic Fire Station No. 1, located at 301 S. Beach St., into a sit-down restaurant and lounge. City leaders say the goal is to preserve the building’s historic character while creating a destination that draws more people downtown.
“This building has been a fixture in downtown Daytona Beach for years,” city officials said, noting the fire station predates much of the surrounding Beach Street development.
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Residents who live and work in the area say they’re excited about the proposal.
“I honestly love this idea,” said Kaitlyn Dobbins, a Daytona Beach resident. “Just preserving the history of the fire station and using it for a restaurant where the community can enjoy all of that.”
The approximately 8,000-square-foot building sits near the Riverfront Esplanade and Jackie Robinson Ballpark and includes dedicated parking. Any proposal must maintain the historic integrity of the structure while offering a high-level dining experience with year-round operations.
Dobbins said the location is a major draw.
“I think the location is perfect,” she said. “This is an area I personally love to frequent, so I would definitely be going and checking it out.”
Deputy City Manager Dru Driscoll said the project is part of a broader effort to revitalize downtown Daytona Beach.
“Daytona Beach Fire Station No. 1 is such a historic and treasured part of the Daytona Beach story,” Driscoll said. “We saw an opportunity to redevelop and reimagine the use of this building, and we’re excited because it plays a critical role in the renaissance of downtown.”
Under the request for proposals, developers must have at least three years of successful restaurant experience and would be responsible for day-to-day operations, including staffing, maintenance, marketing and required permits and licenses.
Proposals will be reviewed through a competitive selection process that could include shortlisting and presentations. Any final lease agreement would require approval by the Daytona Beach City Commission during a public meeting.
Driscoll added that the city’s vision extends beyond a single project.
“Our new Fire Station No. 1 is a state-of-the-art facility that reflects who we want to become moving forward,” he said.
Proposals must be submitted electronically through the city’s OpenGov procurement platform by 3 p.m. on Feb. 10, 2026.