Washington Engine House No. 7 has a Rooftop Deck and Fireman's Pole

Washington D.C. Engine House No. 7 has a rooftop deck, and still has a fireman’s pole, wooden lockers and exposed masonry. Pretty good preservation for a firehouse built in 1884. The Washington firehouse served as Engine House No. 7, Engine House No. 4, and then in 1976 was sold to harpsichord manufacturers who in 1992 sold it to artists who renovated the lower level into an art studio.

Of Washington historic value here is that through all this time Engine House No. 7 still has a brass fireman’s pole as I mentioned and the fireman’s clothing wooden lockers, in addition to original brick facade, double doors and my personal favorite a switchboard.

I worked as a long distance telephone operator for Ma Bell when first out of high school. Now that was a switchboard! Ma Bell ran a tight boot camp, tough-love work training program and ethics that was painful to live through, but for which I am eternally grateful for now. So switchboards are cool to me. One ring-a-dingy.

The Rooftop Deck: As soon as I saw Engine No. 7 rooftop deck it reminded me of a childhood drawing I did for a classroom art assignment. I don’t remember how old I was when I did this drawing, but I do remember doing it. Once I was living on my own, Mom gathered several childhood photos, baby book, school drawings, and report cards and handed them to me to do with what I may. I am forever thankful to her for having the foresight to do this.

Engine No. 7 rooftop deck with table and chairs make my drawing come to life for me. And Hey! both rooftops have panoramic views. This Washington D. C. historic Firehouse would be a cool place to call home. It has three bedrooms, two baths, sleeping areas and loft space. But wait…… it also has two one-bedroom-in-law apartments that rent for $3,200.00 making you a kingly landlord of your own domain.

Engine House No. 7 has 6,267 square feet, and as above a total of five bedrooms for $2,650,000.

The firehouse as it looked back in 1940. – wikimedia creative commons

The Engine House Entrance sign plaque says – Engine Company No. 4. First came Engine Co 7, then the fire department segregated in 1940 and the Engine House became

“the historic first all-black fire squad, Engine Co. No. 4” -Wikipedia

The most amazing fountain greets you in the side yard.

Who renovated this space? The Washington Engine House No. 7 has been home to well-know neon light sculptor, Craig Kraft since 1992. He has used it as his home gallery, art studio, and residence.