The Rochester Fire Department Headquarters and Shop buildings complex are some of Rochester’s better examples of Art Deco-style architecture. The headquarters, which were built in 1936 and are located on Andrews Street, feature sculptural elements such as a window sculpted to look like a truck wheel, and pilasters shaped into firemen.

Along with the Little Theatre, which was built in 1928, the two buildings comprise three of the only low-rise Art Deco-style buildings within the Inner Loop that have survived to the present day. There are about 10 well-known examples of Art Deco architecture throughout Monroe County. Few residential examples remain — although there are some value advantages to having a historical property, there are drawbacks as well. Renovations often require permits and may be denied if they impact the historical value of a home. Many families seeking an Art Deco-style decide to opt for custom-built homes instead.

What is Art Deco? It’s a design and architectural style that originated in France in the 1920s. The style is characterized by bold geometric shapes, curvilinear forms, and strong colors. The Times Square Building in Rochester — a familiar and iconic part of the local skyline — was also built in the Art Deco/Art Noveau style back in 1929. The aluminum wings on the building’s signal tower were intended to symbolize modernity.

The Little Theatre has been playing movies since it originally opened, but what is the fire hall doing? It’s been home to the Protectives, a “property protection brigade” that works with other departments in the city. The Protectives moved into the fire department headquarters in 1937 and have been there ever since. According to The Democrat and Chronicle,, the building is also home to “the Line Deputy Chief, Engine 17, Rescue 11 and Haz-Mat I and II.”
[Photo of The Little Theatre, courtesy of The Little Theatre Facebook page.]