Fire Station No. 3, also known through its motto “Pride of the Points, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. History Colorado announced the site’s designation today as part of their organization’s Colorado Heritage for All initiative.
Fire Station No. 3 has been owned and operated by the Denver Fire Department dating back to 1931, making it Denver’s longest continually operating firehouse. In addition, the station has been recognized for the dedication of the all-Black fire crews who served the historic Five Points Neighborhood even in the face of segregation-era policies that were in place from the 30s to the 50s.
“Fire Station No. 3 is a beautiful building that is a testament to the bravery and community leadership of the all-Black firefighting crew with decades of service,” said Dawn DiPrince, the president and CEO of History Colorado and a State Historic Preservation Officer. “Our team is grateful to be able to work alongside community members to add Fire Station No. 3 into the State and National Historic Register. Our Colorado Heritage for All Initiative is dedicated to ensuring important history like this is represented in the official historic memory and exists far into the future.”
Station No. 3 is located on North Washington Street in Denver’s Five Point neighborhood. A single-story Spanish bungalow-style firehouse stands out against the modern townhomes that flank the brick building. Although much of the area surrounding Station No. 3 has been redeveloped, the firehouse has, according to the Colorado Historical Society, maintained an ‘incredible level of historical integrity’.
The structure has maintained significant cultural significance for the surrounding community. The building’s continuity allowed it to maintain community connections and served as a key gathering place for the Five Points community. People have not only flocked to the station for the community but for everything from car repairs to haircuts, especially during Denver’s period of segregation.
“Station No. 3 has been, and still is, a cornerstone of the Five Points neighborhood,” said Terri Gentry who works as the engagement manager for Black communities at History Colorado. “Its story is one of courage, dedication, and love in the face of discrimination. The men and women who have served there had a higher calling to save the lives and property of the entire community and I am so happy to see them finally be honored in this way for the sacrifices they made.”
The commitment from the community to protect and maintain the station have contributed to the site’s longevity. In the 1970s, when the station was being decommissioned and its crew disbanded, the neighborhood rallied together and petitioned department leadership, getting the firehouse reinstated.
The Denver Fire Department will host a celebration at Fire Station No. 3 located at 2500 Washington Street, Denver on Thursday, Nov. 14 to commemorate the building being added to the National Register of Historic Places. This event is scheduled from 12:30 to 1 PM and will feature remarks from Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Denver Fire Chief Desmond G. Fulton, and Dawn DiPrince, History Colorado’s President and CEO.
“Being recognized on the National Register of Historic Places is a significant honor for Station No. 3, as it not only highlights the historical and cultural importance of the fire department but also emphasizes the legacy and enduring value of the department within the community,” said Fulton in a statement. “This designation honors the resilience and contributions of African American firefighters who served this community during a challenging time in our history and underscores the importance of Station No. 3 as not just a facility, but a heritage site that reflects the bravery and dedication of all firefighters who have served for generations.”
Fulton added that: “This recognition increases the public awareness and support for the Denver Fire Department and the brave men and women who selflessly serve their fellow citizens, while also strengthening community ties and enhancing their role in preserving local history.”
Colorado Heritage for All is an initiative by History Colorado aimed at addressing the lack of representation of Colorado’s diverse communities on the State and National Register of Historic Places. The initiative supports the nomination and listing of 150 currently unrecognized historic resources of Colorado’s marginalized communities by the end of 2026.
