Forest Hills Firehouse Now A Landmark

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission announced on Tuesday that Engine 305 in Forest Hills is now a protected landmark.

The structure, which was finished in 1924,

“The design of this unusual firehouse is more suggestive of a church than a civic building,” said Landmarks Preservation Committee Chairman Robert Tierney. "It stands out as much as it blends into one of the city's most picturesque neighborhoods, and has barely changed in the 90 years it's been standing."

The commission singled out the firehouse for its "Neo-Medieval" style, which was used by then-FDNY building inspector John Sliney to help the firehouse blend in to the quickly growing neighborhoods of Forest Hills and Forest Hills Gardens. 

Tierney also singled out FDNY Commissioner Sal Cassano with helping to preserve the city's firehouses.

"All of these buildings illustrate how far New York City had come by the start of the 20th Century and signaled the promising direction in which it was headed,” he said. “We are grateful for the support that each of the designations has received from the owners of these buildings, in particular from FDNY Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano, for the Department’s continued stewardship of its historic firehouses, which are among New York City’s finest expressions of civic character.”

To check out more photos of the landmarked firehouse,