FDNY Engine 55 at 363 Broome Street near Mott is especially reconizable because of its large terra cotta identifying label across the top of the front entrance. The firehouse was designed by R. H. Robertson and finished in 1899. At the time architectural style was moving toward the ornate Beaux Arts style and away from Renaissance Revival, and the firehouse represents something of a transitional style. There are 5 arched windows with two lions’ heads between the arches on the top floor on which unintimidated pigeons find good perching. A bronze plaque inscribed with the names of the architect, fire commissioner, and fire chief is affixed to the wall between the two windows on the second floor.
When prolific actor Steve Buscemi (“Fargo”, “Boardwalk Empire”) was a firefighter, Engine 55 was his company.
Daytonian in Manhattan has much more on Engine 55
3/21/13
3 comments
Lest we forget…
I lost my cousin Christopher Mozzillo along with 4 other heroes on 9/11. Engine 55 was one of the first responding units that day. His memory lives in our hearts forever.
Richard Russell
❣⚘❣
Who was the Captain prior to Belmonte? He worked w/Martha Brekke, came to our building 23 Greene when the tenants were locked in. Ms. Brekke brought a crow bar 6 flights to the roof. The handsome Captain, w/an Italian name, forced open the corroded door. Engine 55 is the best. He took no sass but sassafras! thx YT SA