Turn-of-the-Century Firehouse with Eclectic Past Has an Extraordinary 21st Century Presence
It was built as a water tower, was home to the NYC Fire Department Engine 256, designated a civil defense bomb shelter, and housed the production studio of a celebrated film maker for 20+ years, but now this former firehouse at 124 Dekalb Avenue in Fort Greene has been converted into two glorious duplex loft apartments ready for someone new to put their own personal stamp on the building’s historical footprint.
Although we kind of wish the huge front door was red, we still love the oversized arched entryway (big enough for a fire truck, of course) that leads to enough parking for two or three cars, as well three large office areas. And while there’s no standard issue “fireman’s pole” to speak of, we spied a sweet wooden spiral staircase leading to the loft space.
Meticulously renovated throughout, this $5 million residence features preserved art deco touches with etched glass, tile, oak, skylights and marble, 16-foot ceilings, abundant cedar closets, and floor-to-ceiling windows everywhere. And lots of nooks and crannies give the space an interesting aesthetic.
In stark contrast to the building’s once hectic past, the roof’s large wooden sun deck overlooking lovely Fort Greene Park is the epitome of serenity, and perfect for entertaining fireman, filmmakers, and anyone else lucky enough to call the new owners of this unique and beautiful home their friend.
Centrally located just blocks from the Barclays Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, shopping and transportation, this unique home with an eclectic past shows off all its glory in our gallery below.
[Listing: 124 DeKalb Avenue by Sanjya Tidke and Scott Kriger for Halstead]
