Engine House No. 3 (Kalamazoo, Michigan) Explained

Engine House No. 3
Coordinates:42.2975°N -85.5644°W
Architect:F. D. Van Volkenberg
Architecture:Prairie School, Bungalow/craftsman
Added:May 27, 1983
Area:less than one acre
Mpsub:Kalamazoo MRA
Refnum:83000857[1]

Engine House No. 3 is a former fire station located at 607 Charlotte Avenue in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.[1]

History

The first Kalamazoo hook and ladder company was established in 1846. By 1854 there were two companies, and the fire department continued to grow. In the early part of the 20th century, a number of new stations were constructed, and by 1910, the city had six stations. Four of these[2] were designed by local architect Forrest D. Van Volkenberg, including Engine House No. 3. This station was constructed between 1907 and 1908, and it was used as a fire station by the city until 1980, when it was sold. As of 2013, the building was vacant.[3]

Description

Engine House No. 3 is a two-story brick structure, built in a Prairie School / Bungalow style that was popular at the time of construction. The architect, Forrest D. Van Volkenberg, designed the station with the local area in mind, and the design echoes that of the surrounding houses. It includes a small front porch similar to the houses in the neighborhood.

Notes and References

  1. Note later versions of the NRIS erroneously tag Engine House No. 3 as a delisted property, confusing it with The Harriett (refnum 83000057)
  2. News: 109-year-old fire station to reopen Friday as a community center . November 15, 2016 . Malachi Barrett . MLive .
  3. Web site: Engine House No. 3 in Kalamazoo . Britney Beyonce . October 11, 2018.