Originally constructed in the 1920s, the Magnolia Firehouse located in Oakland, California was operational until the 1960s. When modern fire engines could no longer fit within the building, the structure was no longer feasible for its original use. “The structure found interim use as a neighborhood church while much of the original historic character suffered the effects of neglect,” according to Baran Studio Architecture.
When tasked with restoring the building the company started with a focus on the exterior condition of the building, “repairing the dark iron-spot face brick at the building corners, removing non-historic elements such as window screens, replacing glazing and deteriorated windows, and finally providing two new carriage doors at the front of building to match the former apparatus bay doors.” The structure’s exterior brick facade was in need of a facelift after years of neglect. [From: Benedicte Lassalle]

Inside the historic building, new concrete shear walls were constructed to help protect the structure from earthquakes.
The home’s exposed interior bricks are met with a splash of modern touches that complement the environment. [From: Benedicte Lassalle]
The openness of the home extends into the bathroom which carries over the exposed brick. [From: Benedicte Lassalle]
The firm also created a new arrangement of spaces that provide for a well-appointed two-bedroom configuration with “two large interconnecte...