Hook and Ladder House No. 5–Detroit Fire Department Repair Shop facts for kids
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Hook and Ladder House No. 5–Detroit Fire Department Repair Shop
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To the left is the Detroit Fire Department Repair Shop; to the right is Hook and Ladder House No. 5.
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| Location | 3400, 3434 Russell Street Detroit, Michigan |
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| Built | 1888, 1917 |
| Architect | William G. Malcomson & William E. Higginbotham |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne, Early Commercial |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001481 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 01, 1997 |
The Hook and Ladder House No. 5 and the Detroit Fire Department Repair Shop are two buildings joined together. You can find them at 3400 and 3434 Russell Street in Detroit, Michigan. The Hook and Ladder House No. 5 is the second oldest fire station still standing in Detroit. It was named a Michigan State Historic Site in 1975. Later, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
History of the Fire Station Buildings
The Detroit Hook and Ladder House No. 5 was built in 1888. It was designed by the famous architects Malcomson and Higginbotham. This fire station was built to protect the nearby homes and businesses. It also helped keep the growing Eastern Market safe from fires.
In 1911, a small addition was built next to the fire station. This new part was used as a repair shop. It helped fix the fire department's growing number of motorized fire engines. In 1917, an even bigger repair shop was built. This larger shop was designed by Raseman & Frier. The small 1911 addition connects the big repair shop to the original fire station.
Hook and Ladder No. 5 served as a fire station until 1956. A new fire station was built close by, taking its place. The Detroit Fire Department Repair Shop was used for many years. It helped the city's Department of Public Works with maintenance, carpentry, and electrical work.
What the Buildings Look Like
The Hook and Ladder House No. 5 is a two-story building. It is made of red brick and stone. It has a third-floor attic space. The building is designed in the Queen Anne style. This style often features unique shapes and details.
The roof of the fire station is steeply sloped. It has shingled dormer windows sticking out. The original wooden swinging doors are still on the front of the building.
Both the small 1911 addition and the large 1917 repair shop are two-story brick buildings. They have decorative terra cotta details. The repair shop is built right up to the street. However, its entrance is angled to match the fire station's design.
Modern Use of the Historic Buildings
These important properties were added to the state historical register in 1975. They were also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. This means they are recognized as special historical places.
In September 2002, a restaurant called Sala Thai opened. It is located on the ground floor of the old Hook and Ladder No. 5 building. The Detroit Fire Department Repair Shop has also been updated. It is now called the FD Lofts. This building has over 30 loft apartments. They range in size from 900 to 1700 square feet.
