In March 2025, renovations were started at the classroom building at the Keeter Training Center in downtown Raleigh.

The project was approved by council on October 1, 2024, with a scope of work to “reconfigure the classroom, a new HVAC system, new kitchen casework, and new fire alarm and lighting.” Plus exterior renovations that include “miscellaneous site lighting, pavement patching, and a new electric car charging station.”

The classroom building opened in 1982 on the site of the 1954 drill tower and training grounds. The classroom building has been expanded and reconfigured in a number of ways over the decades. It’s also been renovated in places and most recently in the upstairs classroom.

Changes to Downstairs Space

Here’s what’s happening. Upstairs, the office spaces will remain as currently configured, but with new windows, new doors, and a new HVAC system overall.

Downstairs, the classroom will be “un-configured” and restored to its original full-length size. (As our academy remembers, Class of 1989. We rocked.) In a recent decade, the rear was walled off and a locker room was created for the recruits. That space—a recruit locker room—will be moved to a modular unit on the upper pad.

Also downstairs, the “large room” will be split in half. (Originally a pair of vehicle bays!) One of the overhead doors has been removed and the space will house two simulators, for virtual pump operation and virtual driving.

Temporary Quarters for Staff

Training center staff vacated their offices last month and have relocated to temporary spaces including at Fire Administration, at Station 14, the basement offices at Station 8, and the training center annex at Station 26.

Interior work should be completed by October or abouts.

More History

Read more history of KTC at https://legeros.com/ralwake/raleigh/stations/ktc.shtml

See detailed research notes on KTC history at https://www.legeros.com/ralwake/raleigh/history/pdf/training-center-history.pdf