Imagine sliding down a firepole for dinner! One St. Louis family has turned a historic firehouse into an incredibly unique home, complete with unexpected quirks and stunning renovations. From vibrant art walls to repurposed materials, their journey showcases true creativity. What’s the most unusual feature you’d want in your dream home?
In the vibrant city of St. Louis, a historic firehouse has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming the one-of-a-kind residence for Kaytlin Reedy-Rogier and Ben Rogier. This extraordinary home, replete with captivating features, stands as a testament to creative vision and the appeal of **repurposed spaces**, offering a glimpse into a truly **unique architecture** that defies conventional living.
Built in 1960, the single-bay firehouse once served the community with distinction, dedicated by then-Mayor Raymond Tucker. Its tenure as an active station was brief, however, as it was decommissioned merely four years later in 1964, making way for a larger, more modern facility that continues to operate today.
Following its decommissioning, the building embarked on a varied journey, experiencing several ownership changes and periods of vacancy. Early attempts at residential conversion were made around 2000 by a firefighter, who initiated foundational renovations to make the structure livable, including the crucial addition of second-floor bedrooms.
The Rogiers, already drawn to **historic architecture** and unconventional dwellings, discovered the property through a blog chronicling the previous owners’ renovation efforts, which even featured on HGTV’s “House Hunters.” Seeking a change from their historic McKinley Heights home and desiring more usable space, they were captivated by the firehouse’s inherent charm and potential.
Upon acquiring the property in 2017, the Rogiers embarked on their own **home renovation** journey, intending to create not just a house, but a home to raise their two sons. Kaytlin, with a keen eye for design, introduced bold colored stripes and free-form shapes to the living and dining room walls, transforming them into a dynamic gallery that accentuates their local art collection. Fourteen-foot ceilings and exposed ductwork further enhance this distinctive, gallery-like ambiance, making it a standout among **St. Louis homes**.
Their first significant undertaking was to open up and remodel the previously dark and enclosed kitchen. Collaborating with J.T. McDermott Remodeling Contractors for design and sourcing new cabinetry from Hoods Home Center, Ben contributed personal touches by crafting open shelving from salvaged floor joist boards and a unique chandelier from various wire pendant lights suspended from a distressed wood base.
The family continues to imbue the firehouse with character, referring to the second-floor guest room as the “Captain’s Bedroom,” which boasts original exposed brick, a remodeled bathroom with original granite, and direct access to the iconic firepole. Despite the inherent challenges of renovating a commercial steel-structured building with cinder block walls and oversized doors, the Rogiers embrace the expansive possibilities this firehouse conversion offers for bespoke interior design and family living.
Ultimately, the Rogiers’ **historic firehouse** has become a vibrant hub where past meets present, blending its storied legacy with modern family life. Their dedication to preserving the building’s essence while infusing it with contemporary style and personal touches truly sets their **unique home** apart, inspiring others to reimagine what a residence can be.