Isn’t it funny how you can walk down a street a hundred times and miss something in plain sight? Recently I walked parts of Greenwich Village in my hunt for the Ai Weiwei installations (I wrote about those previously here), and I noticed something I’d never paid any attention to before: Fire Patrol No. 2. This time it intrigued me, and I took several photos, determined to research and learn more about it later.
From searching the internet, I discovered this building has an interesting history. I had assumed that the firehouse was part of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), but it turns out that it actually predates the FDNY. Built in 1906 by the New York Board of Fire Underwriters, Fire Patrol No. 2 housed part of the New York Fire Patrol. The New York Fire Patrol was a private firefighting organization with roots going back to the early 1800s. It was funded by fire insurance companies that wanted to protect the city buildings they insured.
The New York Fire Patrol was disbanded in 2006, and the firehouse’s future was in question. At one point, there was concern that the historic building would be torn down to make way for new development, especially after it was denied New York City Landmark status. Eventually, Fire Patrol No. 2 was purchased by CNN anchorman Anderson Cooper, who renovated the interior to make it into a private home while meticulously restoring the outside of the building. Finally, about four years ago, the southern part of Greenwich Village achieved city landmark status, protecting the firehouse from future threats. (Wonder what the firehouse looked like before its restoration? The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation has several photos, as well as a more detailed version of the building’s history, here.)
One of my favorite firehouse details is this sculpture of Mercury, symbolizing swiftness. Speed would definitely be a virtue when responding to a fire.
On a more solemn note, I noticed this plaque honoring Patrolman Keith Roma, who lost his life while saving people at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Only 27 years old at the time of his death, Roma was the only member of the fire patrol to die that day.
Fire Patrol No. 2 is located at 84 West 3rd Street, between Sullivan and Thompson Streets.
Finding NYC 
wow – I was thinking of 9/11 as I read and then the Roma plaque came up – cheers to Roma.
also to Anderson Cooper who bought this and I guess lives in it? I have heard of churches becoming homes – and now see that an old fire station can be converted as well
How great that it was purchased and restored rather than lost to development.
I agree!
Occasionally, just occasionally, wealthy people justify their existence – I presume the purchaser had a bit of cash? Such an elegant building, and a reminder of a different era. I like the concept of city landmark status.
Yes, he is has made quite a name for himself and is pretty wealthy.
I love the older city architecture, as it seems to have so much more character. This one seems like a dignified, elegant older lady. It’s pretty difficult for a neighborhood to get landmark status, but I love it when it happens. It preserves the original character of old neighborhood. For Greenwich Village this was particularly important. Land in Manhattan is at such a premium, and developers always want to build really tall. The Village, in contrast, in made up of much shorter buildings.
I’ve found that fire stations are often some of the most beautiful buildings in town. This one is stunning.
It’s great to see old buildings (and the whole area) being preserved. It would be wonderful to live here – I’d love to see how it’s been renovated inside, can’t you wangle an invite? 😉
I searched and searched online for photos of the renovated interior, as I’m curious as well. All I found was an image from an H & M tv commercial, which uses the living room. It was casual and comfortable, much less stuffy than what I expected. It really made me wonder about the rest!
Gorgeous. RIP Roma you die your job well.
9/11 always comes to mind when you mention New York and fire fighting. It still sends chills! Poor lad.
I know. I find it so sad, but important to continue to remember.