Description

The single-bay Engine Company 235 required a total renovation, as deferred maintenance and the relentless march of time had left this nearly century-old structure in significant need of attention.

Although historically important, the building envelope had been compromised and was leaking in many places. The roof had been removed, siding had been damaged, and drainage was decaying. The original apparatus slab was designed to support four horses and a carriage, so after years of use by automotive technology it was failing. As a result, the basement was filled with a “temporary” column grid placed 4’-0” on center, making any other use impossible. Further, the rear third of the building had become infested with termites to the point that it had to be removed, and lighting throughout the building was outdated below FDNY’s standards and needed to be updated.

Our design solved all these problems and more. The historic details have been retained, as the building envelope is completely restored, a new historically sensitive copper roof will ensure the building provides another century of service, and all masonry was tuck-pointed with new mortar, preserving the period nature of the front façade. The apparatus slab has been designed in accordance with FDNY standards to support a 90,000-pound fire truck and meet AASHTO standards. As a result, the basement will become usable space. A new Gear Grid and house watch have been installed, and Engine Company 235 is now state-of-the-art in function, but maintains its historical aesthetic.