Adaptive reuse of historic fire station

[fieldafm]

Brooklyn's fire station's fate is probably already sealed now that the property transfer is complete, but came across this really cool re-use that is at least somehwhat topical (if only to show that with imagination, every building has a second or third(or fourth) life.

I've come across several fire stations repurposed into restaurants(three this year alone, favorite was in Chicago) and homes(there is one downtown)

http://blog.preservationnation.org/2012/07/03/slideshow-the-coolest-restored-and-adapted-fire-station-in-houston-texas/#/

















This is the aforementioned Chicago one (I have pictures, but can't access my camera at the moment)







Can't find a picture online (I have some in the camera), but the Chicago restaurant has a really cool outside patio as well.

[vicupstate]

Very impressive. Thanks for posting.

Not really applicable to Jax though.  Can you find any pics of a concrete foundation left over after a Fire Station was demolished? Preferrably with cars parked on it? 

[fieldafm]

Former parking lots:













Last two are part of San Francisco's Parklet program which even has a dedicated website on how to apply for a one year renewable permit:
sfbetterstreets.org

[Bridges]

I know it's an old police station, but Dillon's in Boston was a pretty cool setup. 

[fieldafm]

I know it's an old police station, but Dillon's in Boston was a pretty cool setup. 

Was just there two weeks ago.  They have a cool outdoor patio.

Goody Glovers (although not an adaptive reuse in the context of my original post) nearby also has a cool setup with elevated hardwood floors and huge windows that open up to the street.

[BrooklynSouth]

Problem: Firehouse Subs could use a new location after the Five Points fire, and EverBank and Blue Cross need more places for lunch. Solution: move the business to an actual firehouse!

[Timkin]

Problem: Firehouse Subs could use a new location after the Five Points fire, and EverBank and Blue Cross need more places for lunch. Solution: move the business to an actual firehouse!

Could not agree more, Brooklyn.  wish current owner of Fire Station 5 could be the hero and revamp the place. Also wish Firehouse subs could relocate to that location. great spot to have a place to eat!!

[mtraininjax]

Give it enough time, Brooklyn fills in, hey maybe people will change their mind. Hallmark needs to hurry the hell up and start breaking ground, but yeah, it could happen.

[fieldafm]

Problem: Firehouse Subs could use a new location after the Five Points fire, and EverBank and Blue Cross need more places for lunch. Solution: move the business to an actual firehouse!

You would have to move the actual fire station... which is not cheap and you can't move it very far due to clearance issues.

That complicates the situation more than just a simple reuse project.

[vicupstate]

An abandoned 1920's Fire Station in Charlotte should soon see a new reincarnation courtesy of a Panthers player.


http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/biz-columns-blogs/whats-in-store/article37020510.html

[CCMjax]

The one in Chicago is called Firehouse Steakhouse I believe.  That was my favorite steakhouse in the city, but I think it was mainly because it was such a unique atmosphere.  Much better than the more touristy overpriced ones right downtown.  Every time I pass by the one on Riverside I think of that place.

[thelakelander]

It might be too late for Fire Station 5, but it would be cool to see this one converted into something similar to what's shown in Field's images:

[strider]

The station pictured above has been a residence for many years now. A cool place, it just needed some curb cuts for indoor parking to be more desirable, IMHO.

The one on Riverside, why is to too late for it? It seems in a great location now that 220 and the other apartments are filling up.  Seems like the historic building would be far more valuable now with the new development than a vacant lot or torn down for something new.

[vicupstate]

The station pictured above has been a residence for many years now. A cool place, it just needed some curb cuts for indoor parking to be more desirable, IMHO.

The one on Riverside, why is to too late for it? It seems in a great location now that 220 and the other apartments are filling up.  Seems like the historic building would be far more valuable now with the new development than a vacant lot or torn down for something new.

Indeed.  I have been in the pictured station and it is a showplace.   

[thelakelander]

The station pictured above has been a residence for many years now. A cool place, it just needed some curb cuts for indoor parking to be more desirable, IMHO.

I was thinking about something more interactive at street level on such a prime corner. I know the structure was for sale at one time, but I'm not sure of its current status.

The one on Riverside, why is to too late for it? It seems in a great location now that 220 and the other apartments are filling up.  Seems like the historic building would be far more valuable now with the new development than a vacant lot or torn down for something new.

Fidelity owns the site now.

http://mayportmirror.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-12-06/story/jacksonville_must_move_fire_station_5_or_demolish_it

I have no idea what their long term plans are for the site. However, they own it and the larger parcel surrounding it. Combined it's a total of 1.21 acres. In the event they ever need more space, that's enough land to put a multistory building on.