Manistee Fire Station

The Manistee Fire Station is the oldest continually operated fire station in the world and was built in 1888.  The two-story, pressed-brick and cut-stone structure is flanked by a two- and one-half story copper domed tower. The unique structure is a cross-gabled Romanesque Revival style building.  Spicer Group was asked to review an issue with one of the exterior brick walls that appeared to be moving.

 At some point in the building’s past, the brick was unfortunately painted.  Painting masonry is never a wise decision and even more so when the walls are of a multi wythe brick construction.  This traps moisture in the brick and gradually destroys the brick over each freeze and thaw from our Michigan seasons.  Spicer Group’s historic architect is in the process of completing bidding documents for the removal of the paint, repair of the damaged masonry wall, restoring the wood flooring, replacing the windows and exterior doors with period correct materials. The project is slated to bid in January of 2022 after SOI reviews.