Property Record
784-786 N BROADWAY
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Engine Company #1 and MFD Headquarters |
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| Other Name: | Engine 1 Truck Squad 1 |
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| Reference Number: | 113165 |
| Location (Address): | 784-786 N BROADWAY |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
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| Year Built: | 1872 |
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| Additions: | 1935 |
| Survey Date: | 200420102021 |
| Historic Use: | fire house |
| Architectural Style: | Art/Streamline Moderne |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Charles E. Malig |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | Last surveyed in 1984 with a map code of 139/18 on a map labeled 393. No update card was made for 2004. 2010: Originally built in 1872, this two-story fire station carries modest Art Moderne elements and is sheathed with brick. The primary (west), symmetrical facade is separatd into three bays. The central bay projects slightly and is defined by sawtooth brick corners and a tripartite grouping of replacement windows on both levels. This bay is flanked by two other bays that are pierced by a large vehicle door on the first floor and a quadruple replacement window arrangement on the second. Raised brick banding adorns the lower parts of the entire facade, while the plain parapet consists of concrete underscored with a simple sawtooth brick pattern. The side facades are common brick with occasional window openings. This building was designed by architect Charles E. Malig as a fire station for the City of Milwaukee. The building cost $13,000 and was of an Italianate design and included a prominent tower. The station originally housed Engine Company #1, as well as the headquarters for the entire fire department until 1895. In 1935, the building was remodeled to its current Art Moderne appearance. It continues to serve as a fire station. 2021 - This Art Moderne fire station was constructed in 1872 and remodeled in 1935. Designed by Charles E. Malig, its original Italianate detailing and fire hose tower have been removed. The current structure faces west and is clad in red brick with cast stone detailing and a flat roof. The primary façade is comprised of three bays and is arranged symmetrically, with the north and south bays each containing a slightly recessed, modern overhead garage door, and pedestrian doors near the north and south corners of the building. The first story features a series of raised brick stringcourses which extend to the tops of the pedestrian doors. Above each garage door is a band of four 9-over-1 double hung windows with cast stone sills. The center bay contains slightly recessed bands of three 9-over-1 double hung windows with cast stone sills. Spandrel panels between the first and second stories contain brickwork in a cross-hatch pattern. Decorative brickwork is also found at the corners of the primary façade and the edges of the recessed bays, as well as just below the stone parapet. |
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| Bibliographic References: | City of Milwaukee Central Business District Survey (1986). City of Milwaukee Building Permit--784-786 N. Broadway Street (1912). Milwaukee Downtown Connector Arch/History Survey, SHPO#10-0983, Prepared by Heritage Research (2010). |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |