Exploring abandoned Chicago Firehouse known as The Castle

[@artofexp]

This beautiful firehouse I came across by chance one day and only had 5 minutes inside to film so couldn’t do any prior research and had to film super quick with a GoPro.

[@kendiana7814]

It was a great house that was a fireman, and a lieutenant there back in the early 90s. That room with the fireplace is where everyone slept cause they were so busy. You couldn't make it down the stairs fast enough, and they pull out without you

[@kendiana7814]

Great house that was a fireman and a lieutenant there. One of the busiest houses in the city in the early 90s that room you're looking at with the fireplace is where everyone slept because it gets so busy. He didn't have time to come down the stairs or slide the pole.They should, they should restore that thing

[@richarddeuso9016]

Rode with those guys in 70’s. Great guys. They had this huge dog named “Muggsy “ we had a busy night. First in Engine on a 3-11 alarm in a piano factory. Great memories. Great firehouse.

[@Dirkdersoldat]

Hey Richard. My uncle was at this firehouse around the time you mentioned. Did you ever know a firefighter that went by “Sonny” or “Malachy” ?

[@dougtheviking6503]

That is one hell of a cool building. It should never be torn down . Thanks to all the Firefighters that served .

[@martinxplo]

Interesting exploration. Nice fire house!

[@tonypuntillo4931]

Thank you for the video and your time on this historic great fire station.

[@Fit4Expedition]

Great explore. Awesome that you got inside. Nice video friend. I rang the bell this time so I don't miss anything.

[@artofexp]

Thanks! Had driven by a few times and recently got lucky to check out this historic firehouse.

[@inspectordan]

It was built by the Englewood Businessmen's Association as a Insurance Patrol station. I spent 5 years there in the '80's. If those walls could talk!

[@zevpost1]

You have some of your information incorrect. 1. That fire house was Originally built for Truck (Ladder) 51 and Rescue 1 and the Chief of the 12th Battalion. It was opened on December 16 1929. Rescue 1 was permanently taken out of service on January 1st 1933. Engine 84 didn't move into that fire house until during March of 1973. Battalion 12 was moved out of that house on September 2nd 1982. Engine 84 and Truck 51 moved out Around early December of 2005. There was never an Ambulance that was permanently assigned to the station and that small bay and door was used by the Battalion Chief.

[@artofexp]

Thanks for the information. I try to research before filming but came across this place by chance and was lucky enough people were on scene working that I was able to go inside and film. Never knew there were firehouses without ambulances but this is what I love about reading comments seeing firsthand knowledge and insight!

[@brianj3170]

the 18th battalion was in there for awhile after the 12th left

[@Johnny7051MC]

Dude you’re killing me!! Great video but you went way to fast! There were many pole holes in that firehouse. When you went upstairs in the large center room, there were square pieces of plywood covering all the holes. I was hoping you would point those out. The holes are also visible in the app bay.

[@artofexp]

I really wanted to check out more but only had a few minutes and didn’t have my regular camera so the quality isn’t great. Went back with my drone the next day but couldn’t go inside and do it over because the workers were gone.

[@ncsd98]

I actually visited Eng. 84 and truck 51 in their new quarters just after they moved. Nicest guys ever..

[@artofexp]

Hopefully they can check out the firehouse after rehab.

[@ncsd98]

@@artofexp . They were saying how much they missed the castle in the ghetto. They called the new station the cave because it was concrete and tile. Very cold and lifeless

[@brianj3170]

@@ncsd98 plus moved to a very slow area where the projects used to be. 116 was very happy their fire runs went through the roof after the move

[@Hey-Moe]

It had several sliding poles, all the circle holes in ceiling are for the poles.

[@SH-md6qp]

No ambulance there, Thad was for the battalion chief

[@MimicoBungalow]

1:23

[@claudioderisola5913]

nooo, can't beliebe it's been closed! this house is one of the "seven ladies" ! if i'm not wrong.

[@phaedra8020]

Will be renovated as part of the City of Chicago's Invest South/West Englewood Connect project.

[@brianwilson8119]

Such a shame to see a building with such character go to waste. It would make a really cool restaurant or history center

[@thinghammer]

Why can't that be repurposed? Such a great old building

[@randypower6832]

Why cant people understand that a camera DOES NOT FOCUS as fast as a human eye?!?!?! SLOW DOWN stop panning at Mach 3 and show off the true beuaty of stuff instead of making it look like an old blur bldg?? SMFH

[@artofexp]

Go film it yourself. The workers allowed me 5-10 minutes inside while I happened to be passing by to quickly film the interior before work started.