Firehouse No. 3
Also known as: Engine Co. #3 Firehouse
Why it's listed
Built in 1893 at 1215 19th Street, this brick fire station on the edge of downtown Sacramento housed Engine Company #3, a unit first formed in 1851 and returned to service in 1888. The building measures roughly 59 by 67 feet and rises over two stories. Its front facade has two pedimented bays with arched windows, rusticated stone accents, a decorative frieze, and sculptures with firefighting themes in the pediments. Inside, four turned wood columns and heavy timber trusses remain. The station operated for 89 consecutive years until it closed in 1982, making it the oldest fire station in Sacramento still in service at that time. It is one of only two nineteenth century fire stations still standing in the city. The quality of its brickwork and ornament, which blends classical and Romanesque Revival themes, was judged outstanding locally. A certified rehabilitation restored the door arrangement using historic photographs, and the building now holds professional and restaurant uses.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the building has both architectural and historical significance. Its high-quality brick masonry and finely detailed ornamentation are outstanding among the city's nineteenth century buildings. It also served as a fire station for 89 consecutive years and is one of only two surviving nineteenth century fire stations in Sacramento.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 91001537, listed October 29, 1991. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 1215 19th St., Sacramento |
|---|---|
| County | Sacramento County |
| Listed | October 29, 1991 |
| Reference number | 91001537 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1893-1941 |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Other, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Closed as a fire station in 1982; since rehabilitated, with current use listed as commerce/trade (professional offices and restaurant). |
| Acreage | 1 |
| Coordinates | 38.57425, -121.48211 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For a publicly owned building or structure, listing mainly matters when federal funds, permits or licences are involved: projects then go through Section 106 review so effects on the property are considered. Listing also strengthens applications for preservation grants and, for leased income-producing uses, can enable the federal rehabilitation tax credit.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 91001537.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q58491611
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.