Engine Company 31 is the most elaborate of Napoleon LeBrun’s firehouse designs, and was derided as “a manifestly extravagant absurdity.” Extravagant or not, it’s certainly impressive.
Engine Company 31 moved in during 1895 after New York City sold the unit’s old home to New York Life Insurance Company. The Fire Department left the building in 1970 and Engine Company 31 was ultimately disbanded in 1972. The Downtown Community Television Center now uses the building as a studio and production center.
Engine Company 31 Vital Statistics
- Location: 87 Lafayette Street at White Street
- Year completed: 1895
- Architect: Napoleon LeBrun & Sons
- Floors: 3
- Style: Loire Valley Chateau
- New York City Landmark: 1966
- National Register of Historic Places: 1972
Engine Company 31 Suggested Reading
- Wikipedia entry
- NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission designation report
- New York Times article
- Daytonian in Manhattan blog