Fire Station No. 23
historic place
Fire Station No. 23, a historic place in Seattle, King County, Washington, was built in 1909. Architects Everett & Baker designed this structure to house horse-drawn fire equipment. It served as the 3rd Battalion Headquarters, accommodating Engine Company No. 23, Hose Company No. 23, and Ladder Company No. 23. The station featured three equipment bays downstairs, a dormitory, offices upstairs, and a five-story hose tower. The Ladder Company became motorized in 1918, and the engine company's horses were retired by 1922. In 1970, the building was remodeled into the Cherry Hill Community Center. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. The site later became home to the Central Area Motivational Program, which was renamed Byrd Barr Place in 2018, honoring civil rights leader Roberta Byrd Barr. Today, Byrd Barr Place continues to provide essential community support services. This building exemplifies the successful adaptive reuse of a historic civic structure.