As the United States grew during the mid-19th century, dedicated, purpose-built fire stations became common in towns and cities, with the earliest buildings including stables and garage spaces for horse drawn carts. As fire departments modernized, many of the original firehouses became vacant, but thankfully, the history of many of these properties have been saved through adaptive reuse projects.
Here are stories of five businesses in Virginia that were once firehouses, but are now lively restaurants, cafes and breweries.
1. Josephine Brasserie & Bar, Alexandria, VA
The Columbia Steam Engine Fire Company formed in Alexandria in 1871 and occupied the Romanesque style Columbia No.4 firehouse until the 1960’s. After sitting vacant for years, the firehouse was reborn as a series of restaurants, most recently, reopening in 2023 as the Parisian themed Josephine Brasserie and Bar. The interior features vintage lighting, including one from the Paris metro, antique millwork and fireplaces.
Photo from: Margaret O'Meara
2. Firestation One Hotel, Roanoke, VA
The Georgian Revival style Fire Station One in downtown Roanoke opened in 1907 and operated for 100 years. After the firehouse closed in 2007 the building remained empty for 15 years, before being given new life as a seven room boutique hotel. Interior features include original pine lockers and brass firepoles and pressed tin ceilings. The building is also home to the Stock Cafe and a showroom for Txtur furniture.
Photo from: Fire Station One
3. Ironclad Coffee, Richmond, VA
Richmond’s No. 2 Hook and Ladder Company building was constructed in 1884 and operated as a firehouse until 1952. In 2017 the building was renovated and morphed into Ironclad Coffee Roasters. Interior decor features some late Victorian pieces, including the fire company’s wooden ladder and original shoeshine bench from the nearby Jefferson Hotel.
Photo from: https://duffelbagspouse.com/
4. Firehouse Coffee 1881, Hampton, VA
Fort Monroe operated as a military compound from 1819-2011, and that included the US Army’s first firehouse, which opened in 1881. The fort is now a National Monument and Firehouse Coffee repurposed the vacant fire station into a cafe in 2017.
Photo from: Visit Virginia
5. Razzo, Norfolk, VA
Built in an ‘American Foursquare style’, Firestation No.12 opened in 1923 as part of an expansion of Norfolk’s fire service and operated as a fire house until 2018. The Razzo Restaurant Group began renovations a year later, and several original architectural features were restored. Relics of the building’s original use include fire poles and a fire hose drying ramp.
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