Inside a 19th Century Firehouse-Turned-Office Space

Any renovation that makes the effort to retain historic elements is generally a good thing, but there's something especially exciting about a converted firehouse—just ask Anderson Cooper or the New York City Fire Museum or the place that's trying to copy Anderson Cooper. This converted 1895 firehouse at 240 West 30th Street—featuring a two-story stable/hayloft, original ornamental pediments and windows, a fully-restored 1929 FDNY Emergency call box/fire alarm, and a section of the original fire pole—follows that tradition, combining original elements with modern features to create office space for digital and tech startups. The renovation was spearheaded by the current leaseholder, media and tech company Black Ocean. The architect, Rafael de Cardenas, took the time to virtually walk us through the redone building.

· Black Ocean [official]
· The 1894 Fire Patrol #3 -- 240 West 30th Street [Daytonian in Manhattan]