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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / History

Lanier Firehouse

A historic 1908 Mission-style firehouse in Lanier Heights, repurposed as a community arts center and home to the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation.

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What is the Lanier Firehouse known for?

The Lanier Firehouse is a former Engine Company 21 firehouse that has been transformed into a community arts and events space. It currently houses a museum gift shop, curated public programming, and the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation.

What are the hours of operation?

The venue is open by appointment and for special events. Visitors can check the events calendar for public programs and opportunities to visit.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, admission is free, although donations are appreciated.

What is the history and architecture of the building?

Built by the city in 1908, the firehouse is a two-story brick building in the Mission/Spanish Colonial Revival style, featuring a tiled parapet and broad arched openings. It is one of the few surviving early 20th-century commercial buildings in Lanier Heights and was saved from demolition by community action in 1975.

Where is it located?

The firehouse is located at 2731 Ontario Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009, in the Adams Morgan area of Northwest Washington.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Lanier Firehouse, located at 2731 Ontario Road NW, is a striking example of Mission and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Built by the city in 1908, the two-story brick building features a tiled parapet and broad arched openings that once housed the fire engines of Engine Company 21. It stands as one of the few surviving early 20th-century commercial buildings in the Lanier Heights neighborhood, marking the area's early commercial core. For decades, the building served as a vital community hub. Local memory recalls generations of neighborhood children playing in front of the firehouse, viewing the firefighters as their personal guardians. However, by the mid-1970s, the facility had fallen into deterioration. In 1975, determined community action saved the building from demolition, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Today, the former firehouse has been transformed into a community arts and events space. It now serves as the headquarters for the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation and houses a museum gift shop. The site also hosts curated public programming, continuing its legacy as a place of community gathering and support.

Visitor tips

  • Since the venue is open by appointment and for special events, check the events calendar for public programs before visiting.
  • Admission is free, but donations to the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation are appreciated.
  • Take a moment to look for the historical marker detailing the building's preservation in 1975.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as you explore the residential streets of Lanier Heights.

Nearby context

The Lanier Firehouse is situated mid-block on Ontario Road NW in the heart of the Lanier Heights neighborhood, serving as a remnant of the area's early commercial center.

Sources

Evidence and links