The Restoration of Houston Fire Museum’s Historic Fire Station No. 7 Receives Good Brick Award

Preservation Houston, a public service nonprofit dedicated to promoting historic preservation, is honoring the restoration of a Midtown landmark with the prestigious 2024 Good Brick Award for excellence in historic preservation. The Houston Fire Museum, located at 2403 Milam Street, is being recognized for restoring the former Fire Station No. 7, a Romanesque Revival-style building constructed in 1899 and renowned as Houston’s oldest surviving firehouse.

This years-long restoration project has been an arduous journey, involving the removal of one-inch-thick cement plaster from the exterior to reveal the 134-year-old brick beneath. To preserve its authentic charm, 81 original windows were meticulously restored, along with the historic ironwork and decayed floor joists. Inside, the interior was transformed back to its original 1899 appearance, capturing the essence of the fire station’s rich history. The restoration was expertly designed by REPRACTICE architecture, ensuring that every detail adhered to the structure’s historical integrity.

Excitement is building as the Houston Fire Museum prepares to reopen its doors to the public in the summer of 2024. Once again, visitors will have the opportunity to explore this cherished landmark and immerse themselves in the captivating history of Houston’s firefighters. The restoration has not only saved a significant piece of the city’s heritage but will also serve as an educational and cultural hub for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

Preservation Houston, the organization responsible for bestowing the Good Brick Awards, has been recognizing outstanding historic preservation projects and the individuals behind them since 1979. As a public service nonprofit, Preservation Houston is dedicated to preserving the unique history and character of neighborhoods through various neighborhood-focused programs.

As we eagerly await the reopening of the Houston Fire Museum in the summer of 2024, let us celebrate this momentous achievement in historic preservation and continue to support organizations like Preservation Houston in their vital mission to protect and promote our historical heritage.