Every Milwaukee neighborhood has a fire station nearby, but only a handful of neighborhoods can boast the architectural uniqueness of a "bungalow" firehouse.
These low-slung buildings were erected as fully functional firehouses, but they were designed to blend into Milwaukee neighborhoods. They don't have the tall towers or the large footprint of other fire stations. Instead, they feature gabled roofs and smaller bay doors that look more like a typical residential garage.
Five were built in Milwaukee, and all five still stand today. All but one of them are privately owned.
This week on Urban Spelunking, we visit the Story Hill FireHouse, a 1927 bungalow converted to a private event space. Located just south of Bluemound Road at 407 N. Hawley Rd., the new venue has been carefully modernized while preserving its original character.
Fire hoses and other firefighting gear hang in nooks around the building. Black-and-white pictures are propped up on shelves, accented with an industrial looking hose value, a nod of respect to the firefighters who served there.
Owner Janelle Meyer-Brown, who also owns Evenement event planning, oversaw the restoration and says the new space will also be available for rent to other event planners. The business will focus exclusively on private events.
Listen to this week's podcast below, and visit OnMilwaukee to read Bobby Tanzilo's complete story.
