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