New Jersey Historic Trust Affiliated with the Department of Community Affairs

Fire House Number 4, Plainfield

Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund
Historic Site Management
Grant Award: $26,250 (2017)
Grant Recipient: Plainfield Fire Department
County: Union
Municipality: Plainfield

Firehouse Number 4 was dedicated in 1910 and has been in use as a firehouse ever since, witnessing the transition from horse-drawn wagons to gas engines and the professionalization of the occupation from volunteer-based to full-time staff. Built in a Mission/Craftsman style with stucco walls and tile roof, and originally including flower boxes, topiary, and an exterior lantern, the structure conveyed a domestic and utilitarian image, reflecting its compatibility with the new residential area it was intended to serve.   

The Trust grant helped fund a feasibility study to determine the best approaches to modernizing the firehouse to meet current needs such as ADA accessibility and HVAC upgrades.