Engine House No. 18 (Los Angeles, California) facts for kids
|
Engine House No. 18
|
|
Engine House No. 18 in 2008
|
|
 Location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Location in California
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 2616 S. Hobart Boulevard, Los Angeles, California |
|---|---|
| Built | 1904 |
| Architect | John Parkinson; Henry R. Angelo |
| Architectural style | Mission Revival, Spanish Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 82000968 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | October 29, 1982 |
Engine House No. 18 is a historic building in the West Adams area of Los Angeles, California. It was originally built in 1904 as a fire station. This special building was designed in the beautiful Mission Revival style.
The architect, John Parkinson, also designed other famous Los Angeles landmarks. These include the Los Angeles City Hall, Union Station, and Bullocks Wilshire.
Contents
History of Engine House No. 18
Engine House No. 18 has a long and interesting past. It served the community as a fire station for many years.
Early Years as a Fire Station
.jpg)
In 1915, the fire station temporarily closed. This happened because of budget cuts in Los Angeles. The city council made a decision that affected many fire stations.
However, Engine House No. 18 reopened in 1920. It continued to operate as a busy fire station until 1968. For over 60 years, brave firefighters worked from this building.
An Unusual Incident
In 1932, something unusual happened at the station. A former fireman tried to take things from the lockers inside. He had a strange way of doing this. He would call in fake emergencies to make the firefighters leave. Then, he would enter the empty station.
But at Engine House No. 18, his plan didn't work. A fireman surprised him while he was trying to take items. This shows that even historic buildings can have exciting stories!
Restoration and New Life
After 1968, the building was empty for a long time. For sixteen years, it waited for a new purpose. In 1984, a group called the Community Redevelopment Agency decided to help.
They hired architects to plan how to restore the old firehouse. The idea was to turn it into a training center for the community. This project aimed to bring the building back to life.
Engine House No. 18 Today
Today, Engine House No. 18 has a wonderful new role. It helps people with special needs learn and grow.
A Center for Art and Creativity
In 2009, the Exceptional Children's Foundation (ECF) became involved. They wanted to buy Engine House No. 18. ECF purchased the property in 2011.
Their goal was to create a special place. It would be a fine arts training center for adults with special needs. It would also be a creative space for everyone in South Los Angeles.
Opening the South L.A. Art Center
Renovations on the building began in June 2012. The ECF worked hard to transform the old fire station. In the spring of 2013, Engine House No. 18 reopened.
It is now known as the South L.A. Art Center. Each year, about 50 people with developmental disabilities come here. They receive daily art lessons and learn important life skills. The center also helps them with case management services.
The center also hosts art shows. You can see amazing artwork created by the participants. Other local artists also display their creations here. Engine House No. 18 is now a vibrant hub for art and learning in the community.
