Former Engine Co 86 in Horner Park, 4/26/19
An instant sign of 1980s authenticity?
The coolest people of my teens operated out of former firehouses, Robert Urich’s Spencer: For Hire and the Ghostbusters. Chicago’s former firehouses have almost as interesting new lives. On the map are several art groups, some social organizations, a few homes and restaurants. The oldest is former Engine 18 (1873) on Roosevelt with two more coming in 1874.
Hat tip to Forgotten Chicago who did a couple of interesting posts some years ago now that caught my interest: Disused Firehouses and Fire Insurance Patrols. Most of the buildings remain and are included here.
At first post, 56 former firehouse are mapped, 40 with pictures. Included with most are the dates active and their use at last check. I’m sticking with my new “posting” over “perfection” policy, so this is even more of a work in progress than earlier maps. Check back for updates or let me know if anything needs to be fixed.
An alphabetical list of all the sites is located below the map. A click on the list will jump you to its location on the map.
Contact CBA for a custom guided ride that includes some of these sights and for gift certificates for the cyclists in your life. Also, this map is just one layer of many on The Map, where you can plan your own ride, run, or walk around Chicago.
Sources: Firefighting Wiki, Forgotten Chicago, icons by Icons8
