Look for a two-story red brick building right in front of you, with grand stone arches and big windows, looking every bit like a Renaissance palace had a surprise career change and decided to fight fires!
Now, imagine yourself standing here in the roaring 1920s-the air smells of coal smoke and gasoline, and the street is abuzz with Model T Fords and the occasional galloping horse. Suddenly, the shiny new Central Fire Station stands out, fresh from architect Charles C. Hartmann’s drawing board. Its brick walls glow in the sunlight, and the carved granite details sparkle as if winking at you! Don’t miss those graceful arches-if you listen closely, you might even hear the echo of brave firefighters sprinting beneath them on their way to heroic rescues. Back then, a towering six-story watchtower stood guard above, letting firefighters spot trouble from miles away-that is, until it mysteriously disappeared in the early 1950s. No, the tower didn’t run off to join the circus; it was simply taken down as the city grew up around it. Since 1980, this beautiful old firehouse has enjoyed official historic status-so next time you smell smoke, just remember: the building in front of you was once Central Command for Greensboro’s bravest, always ready to dash out and save the day!
