Engine House No. 11 (Detroit, Michigan)

According to the September 9, 1883, edition of the Detroit Free Press, William Scott & Company was the architect of the building. Detroit's Engine Company No. 11 was organized as the "Steam Fire Engine Company #11" on January 1, 1884. The original equipment included a horse-drawn Silsby Steam engine and hose reel cart.[3] The company converted to motorized operation in 1916, obtaining a Seagrave gasoline propelled pumping engine.[3]

The firehouse tower on the southeast side of the building was shortened during World War II so an air raid siren could be installed.[3] In 1972, Engine Company No. 11 moved to new quarters. The building was used by the Emergency Medical Unit until 1976, and then as a Detroit Fire Department museum, containing several pieces of historic fire fighting equipment.[3]

Engine House No. 11 is a ​2 ¹⁄₂-story brick building with a hipped roof. The front facade contains a wide center section flanked by two small bays. The first story of the center section contains four wide doors, the second story has two large windows. A dormer atop the center section contains the attic story. A hose-drying tower is centered on the east side of the building. This tower had an air raid siren installed during World War II, which reduced its height somewhat.[4]

On the interior, the first floor contains the apparatus room, kitchen, dining area and a lounge. The walls are wainscoted, and the ceiling is plastered. The second floor contains a dormitory style sleeping quarters, showers, locker room, and two private sleeping rooms for the Captain and Lieutenant. At the rear of the dormitory, but on a slightly lower level, is a room that was originally the hay loft, but has been turned into a recreation room.[4]