Engine House No 5 was originally constructed in 1880 on the
banks of the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids Michigan on the corner of
Leonard and Monroe Streets. This historic station served the Grand Rapids
community for 100 years.
In 1980 she was slated for demolition in order to make way for a brand-new fire
station to be located in her footprint. A deal was negotiated and the building
was purchased for $1.00
Beginning in the fall of 1980 (on the station's 100th birthday) the building
was disassembled brick by brick, transported to its current location in
Allendale and put in storage. The process took 10 weeks and 2 days. Plans were
finalized for the fire museum and reconstruction began in 1981.
Construction was completed and the museum was officially opened to the public
in May 1986.
Interested in booking a group tour or a business luncheon?
Get in touch with us!