Central Fire Station (Taunton, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Central Fire Station
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Taunton, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1869 |
| Architect | Swasey, A.E., Jr.; Sherman, Z. |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| MPS | Taunton MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 84002101 |
| Added to NRHP | July 5, 1984 |
The Central Fire Station in Taunton, Massachusetts, is a very old and important building. It's a place where firefighters and their trucks are ready to help the city. Built way back in 1869, it's one of the oldest fire stations in the entire country that's still being used today! In fact, it's the oldest one that has never closed, not even for a single day. This station is home to Taunton's Engine 1, Ladder 3, and the Deputy Chief. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
About the Central Fire Station
The Central Fire Station stands at the corner of Leonard and School Streets. This area is in the middle of Taunton's main business district. The building is made of brick and has two and a half stories. It features a special type of roof called a hip roof. This roof has pointed sections called gables on the sides that face the streets. There's also a tower on one corner with a mansard roof, which is a roof with slopes on all sides.
The front of the station faces Leonard Street. It has four large openings for fire trucks to drive in and out. These openings are separated by strong granite pillars. Above the openings are granite beams. The windows above these bays are placed in a balanced way. There are two arched windows in the center and flat-arched windows on either side. The gable at the top has two round-arched windows, which are common in a style called Italianate architecture.
A Bit of History
The Central Fire Station was designed by A.E. Swasey. He was an architect from a company called Hartwell & Swasey in Boston, Massachusetts. Abraham Briggs, a builder from Taunton, constructed the station in 1869. Swasey's designs for firehouses were so good that he was asked to design more in other cities, like Fall River, Massachusetts.
Modern Upgrades
In 2008, the Central Fire Station received a big update. This project cost $2.1 million. Part of the work included rebuilding the basement and the floor system. This was important so the station could safely hold the weight of modern, heavier fire trucks. The station was also made more accessible for people with disabilities. This means it now follows the rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, making it easier for everyone to use.
