Waverley Square Fire Station

[gallery (5 photos)]

The Waverley Square Fire Station is a Victorian Gothic building constructed in 1873 as the Daniel Butler School. It served the Town of Belmont, MA in several capacities before being converted into condominiums in 2006. It's the oldest surviving schoolhouse and second oldest fire station in the town.

The building was transform into a fire station—"temporarily"—in 1906. It remained in service as such until 2005! In 1930, the single vehicle bay was expanded into two. The new entrance was adorned with a sandstone Art Deco facade.

At its retirement, the station was home to Engine 1, Reserve Engine 3, and Reserve Ladder 2. At other times it was also home to a Rescue unit.

In 1933, the rear of the building was expanded to accommodate the Waverly Square branch of the Belmont Public Library. This addition was torn down during the condominium conversion. The library entrance was on the Trapelo Road side.

The building also served as a food pantry.

As the station aged, the floor in the vehicle bay weakened to the point it could no longer bear the weight of the fire apparatus. The station was closed. The Town decided to consolidate its three existing stations into two new ones, which would require a larger facility.

The Town sought out a new use for the fine looking and distinctive building. After considering many alternatives, the property was sold to a developer on the condition that the building would be restored and converted into condominiums.

Sources

• Getrost, H. The History - Belmont, MA Fire Stations (2006) Boston Sparks Association Newsletter, 68(9):3-5.
• Waverley Fire Station Re-Use Steering Committe. Final Report and Recommendations of the Waverley Fire Station Re-Use Steering Committee.  Belmont, MA.  July 2004.
• Belmont Fire Department. 2004 Annual Report.