Fire Station No. 5 (Roanoke, Virginia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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City of Roanoke Fire Station No. 5
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 216 12th St. NW, Roanoke, Virginia |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1911 |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 11000838 |
| Added to NRHP | November 18, 2011 |
Fire Station No. 5 in Roanoke, Virginia is a special old building. It used to be a fire station located at 216 12th Street NW. This station was one of three built in 1911. It was designed to look like a house so it would fit in with the homes around it.
This fire station was important because it housed one of Roanoke's first fire trucks that used an engine, not horses! It served the city for many years, helping to keep people safe. In 2010, it stopped being a fire station. Now, a local non-profit group uses the building.
In 2011, this unique building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
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Discovering Fire Station No. 5
Fire Station No. 5 is in Roanoke, Virginia. It was built a long time ago, in 1911. Imagine a time when most fire trucks were pulled by horses! This station was modern for its time. It was one of the first to get a fire truck with an engine.
The person who designed it was Homer M. Miller. He made sure the building looked like a regular house. This helped it blend into the neighborhood. It has a style called Colonial Revival architecture. This style often includes features like tall windows and a balanced look.
A Special Design
Most fire stations look like big, official buildings. But Fire Station No. 5 was different. It was built to look like a home. This was a clever idea to make it fit in with the houses nearby. It made the fire station feel like part of the community.
The building served the city of Roanoke for almost 100 years. Firefighters worked there, ready to respond to emergencies. They protected homes and businesses in the area. It was a busy and important place for many decades.
Becoming a Historic Landmark
The National Register of Historic Places is a list of important places in the United States. These places are special because of their history or architecture. When a building is added to this list, it means it's worth protecting.
Fire Station No. 5 was added to this list on November 18, 2011. It's officially known as the "City of Roanoke Fire Station No. 5" on the register. This recognition helps people remember its history and unique design. It also helps protect the building for future generations.
From Fire Station to Community Hub
After nearly a century of service, Fire Station No. 5 closed its doors as an active fire station in 2010. But the story of the building didn't end there. It was given to a local non-profit organization.
Non-profit groups work to help the community without making money. This means the old fire station continues to be used for good. It's a great example of how old buildings can find new life. They can still serve the community in different ways.
