Rockaway firehouse has become a city landmark

Image source: NYDN – Engine Co. 268 in Rockaway Park

UPDATE: All firehouses are now city landmarks, as per the NY Times City Room.

The NY Daily News reports that Tuesday evening the Landmarks Preservation Commission scheduled a vote on city landmark designation for five firehouses throughout the city (two in the Bronx, two in Manhattan, one in Queens) and one of them is in the Rockaways. This 100-year-old building (above) is Engine Co. 268/Hook and Ladder 137 on Beach 116th St. It survived Hurricane Sandy.

The firehouse was  designed by architect Frank J. Helmle and built in Colonial Revival-style building. In it, you can also see “elements of the Arts and Crafts style, such as ceramic shields and a stepped parapet wall.” It really is gorgeous (and serves as a surf and rescue operation, too).

LPC Chairman Robert Tierney said about the firehouses, “Each of these buildings is a clear expression of civic spirit and pride of purpose that existed at the time they were built and continue to this day in our city’s municipal architecture. The FDNY has done an exemplary job of protecting these structures that have a vital role in protecting New Yorkers, and we’re grateful for its support of the proposals to landmark them.”

The Rockways have also seen their bungalows go through a landmarking process and in January, the Far Rockaway Beach Bungalow Historic District became a state historic landmark.

Five city firehouses headed for landmark status [NYDN]
UPDATE: Far Rockaway Beach Bungalow Historic District is now a state historic landmark [WSJ]