Far Rockaway firehouse, police station are city’s newest landmarks

Both buildings date back to the early 20th century

Two buildings in Far Rockaway, Queens are now the city's newest landmarks.

On Tuesday, the Landmarks Preservation Commission designated a historic firehouse at 16-15 Central Avenue and the the building that formerly housed the 53rd Precinct Police Station (now the 101st precinct) at 16-12 Mott Avenue. According to the LPC, both buildings are "outstanding examples of early 20th-century civic buildings and represent a period of significant growth in Far Rockaway."

The Far Rockaway Firehouse, also known as Engine Companies 264 & 328/Hook and Ladder 134, was designed by Hoppin & Koen and dates back to around 1912. It is one of just three firehouses designed by the firm and features three stories built in the Renaissance Revival style with arched vehicle bays, monumental columns, and rusticated limestone on its ground floors.

As for the police station, that building was completed around 1929 with designs by Thomas E. O'Brien, who was not only an architect but also the Police Department's Superintendent of Buildings, notes the LPC. The structure combines Colonial Revival and Renaissance Revival styles, and stands three stories tall.

"These impressive buildings reflect an era of architectural expression in municipal services buildings and foster civic pride," said LPC Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan.

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