Denver fire station added to National Register of Historic Places
Denver's longest continuously running fire station is being recognized for its historical significance with its addition to the National Register of Historic Places.
DENVER (KDVR) -- Denver's longest continuously running fire station is being recognized for its historical significance with its addition to the National Register of Historic Places.
Denver Fire Station No. 3, located in the Five Points neighborhood, was the city's only all Black firehouse from when it opened in 1931 to 1957, making it the only fire station where Black firefighters could work at the time.
On Tuesday, History Colorado and the Denver Fire Department announced that the fire station, also known as "Pride of the Points," was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
“Station No. 3 has been, and still is, a cornerstone of the Five Points neighborhood,” said Terri Gentry, engagement manager for Black communities at History Colorado. “Its story is one of courage, dedication and love in the face of discrimination. The men and women who have served there had a higher calling to save the lives and property of the entire community and I am so happy to see them finally be honored in this way for the sacrifices they made.”
The fire station is located at 2500 N. Washington St. Much of the area has been redeveloped, but the firehouse is a living reminder of the history of the area. According to History Colorado, the building is a single-story Spanish bungalow with hues of red and brown that was designed to fit into the surrounding architecture at the time.
Denver Fire Station No. 3, located in the Five Points neighborhood, was the city's only all Black firehouse from when it opened in 1931 to 1957. (Photo courtesy: History Colorado) 
Denver Fire Station No. 3, located in the Five Points neighborhood, was the city's only all Black firehouse from when it opened in 1931 to 1957. (Photo courtesy: History Colorado) 
Denver Fire Station No. 3, located in the Five Points neighborhood, was the city's only all Black firehouse from when it opened in 1931 to 1957. (Photo courtesy: History Colorado)
The fire station is historically significant as it opened up public service jobs for Black men at a time when their opportunities were severely limited, according to History Colorado.
Fire Station No. 3 was added to the National Register as part of History Colorado’s Colorado Heritage for All Initiative, which is an effort to address the lack of representation of the state's diverse communities on the State and National Register of Historic Places.
On Thursday, the Denver Fire Department will host a celebration from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Fire Station No. 3 with remarks from Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Denver Fire Chief Desmond G. Fulton and CEO of History Colorado Dawn DiPrince.
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