Charleston Fire Station #3

Project Description:
Midwest Maintenance, Inc. has become a familiar sight along the street of historic Charleston, South Carolina.  Having restored a number of historic residences and two phases of the Ft. Sumter project, the Charleston Department of Parks assigned us a very special project that commenced on November 1, 2003.  The Charleston Fire Station #3, or the “Central Fire Station” as many Charleston Residents know it, is the oldest working fire station in the United States.  The station house is considered fully functional even though it was constructed in 1887.  Midwest Maintenance, Inc. was assigned the job of completing an extensive restoration of the building’s exterior. 

Planning/Project Execution:
This project included tuckpointing all exterior masonry.  Over half of the ten thousand square foot project included redoing the convex grapevine joints that were barely visible.  Major brick repairs were also completed. 

Paint was carefully removed from the granite windowsills and wooden sashes and frames in order to identify and replicate the original paint color.  Wood was to be repaired where possible and replaced when necessary, including the replacement of 4” thick rear entry doors.

All exterior masonry was carefully cleaned to finish this project.

Summary:
The project was completed April 30, 2004 on schedule and within the budget.  All work was performed by Midwest Maintenance, Inc. craftsmen and in coordination with the Charleston Fire Department Chief and without interference to the day-to-day operating of the station.

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Awards:
Associated Builders and Contractors Regional Award of Excellence

Associated Builders and Contractors National Award of Excellence 

*Photos taken by Tripp Smith, Tripp Smith Photography in Charleston, South Carolina