Central Fire Station
Built: 1902
Architect: George H. Miller
About George H. Miller
George H. Miller (b. May 7, 1856—d. March 6, 1927) grew up on a family farm as one of eight children. His education began in the public school system, and by the age of 15, Miller began his career under architects from the Rudolph Richter firm, which at that time was the only one in Bloomington. In 1874, Miller traveled to Columbus, Ohio, working as a draftsman with the Chicago-based firm Fredrick and Edward Bauman, and working alongside architect John Harris.
Returning to Bloomington in 1875, Miller launched a successful career as an architect. He designed prominent buildings such as the Oberketter, Corn Belt Bank, and Livingston buildings, which established him as a leading figure in Bloomington architecture. Miller innovated by introducing modern side lighting systems in school buildings, a technique still in use today.
Beyond architecture, Miller contributed to his community, serving as Bloomington city treasurer, third ward alderman, and chancellor of the local Knights of Pythias chapter. He married Rose Stautz in 1887 and had three children: Kenneth, Raymond, and Sallie. In his later years, Miller faced health challenges, including paralysis from a stroke, leading to his passing in 1927. He is buried in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
Style: American Renaissance/Renaissance Revival (1820-1900)
About American Renaissance/Renaissance Revival (1820-1900)
Renaissance styles developed during the European Renaissance (c. 1400-1600) were based on revived appreciation of Roman architecture. These ideas spread throughout Europe and versions of Renaissance styles developed in France, Spain, Northern Europe and the British Isles. American architects in the Victorian period based much of their work on these styles, sometimes faithfully copying the style and other times using them far more freely for the demands of American building needs.
Address: 220-228 E. Front Street
Brief History:
1900 - Plans for the fire station were discussed in direct response to the Downtown Bloomington Fire of 1900, which destroyed more than $2 million worth of property.
1902 - Building with 90 ft. high bell tower, completed at a cost of around $30,000.
1973 - Served as Bloomington's Fire Station No. 1 until the new headquarters on Lee Street was constructed and opened.
1975 - Closed for good after the opening of the Lee Street station and bought later that year by Arden Nowers and Daniel Doyle and converted into a restaurant.
2014 – Epiphany Farms Restaurant opens on lower level.
Architectural Description:
Two story, North European Renaissance style building.
Faced in pale pressed brick with a sandstone base, windowsills and header.
Six vertical bays separate the frontal façade. The classical molding that tops the first "garage door" is minimalistic in comparison to its neighbors of richly arched pediments .
Sixth vertical bay, originally a bell tower, is broken down into a number of sandstone string courses and features a double window, topped by a fanlight.
Main entrance, of sixth bay, is framed by rusticated sandstone pillars and header with the words "Central Station" carved out in sandstone.
Brick pilasters separate the middle four vertical bays, allowing for the joined pediments to appear as if they are supported not by the window but by the pilasters themselves.
Second story is delineated from the first story by a thick brick belt course and sandstone sills and string course.
Bays gradually recess into the middle two bays, drawing the eye to the two arched Palladianesque windows framed by smaller accent windows.
Middle section is capped by stepped parapet .
All windows are topped with brick headers further detailed by sandstone accents.
Interesting Fact:
Central Station was built with room for 11 horses, which were used until 1907 when the department got motorized fire trucks. The second floor featured a hay loft.