Lost Washington: Engine Company No. 2

Once located at 719 12th Street, NW, the Italian Renaissance firehouse that became the home of Engine Company No. 2 in 1910 was designed at a cost of $1,200 by architect Leon E. Dessez. A third floor behind the frieze housed a gymnasium. The original plans called for twin towers on the size of the building, but could not be built and still have the structure remain in its $40,000 budget.

Metro construction severely damaged the foundation in 1975. As a result, the building was razed in 1986.