Fire Station No. 11

Fire Station No. 11 Atlanta: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and History Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Fire Station No. 11 in Atlanta, Georgia, is a vital landmark that intertwines the city’s architectural, cultural, and civic narratives. As Atlanta’s first all-Black fire company, the station is not only an emblem of public safety and urban planning but also a testament to African American resilience and achievement. With its early 20th-century Beaux-Arts architecture and significant roles in local history, Fire Station No. 11 continues to welcome visitors as a preserved historic site, a vibrant restaurant, and a hub for community and cultural engagement.

This comprehensive guide covers the station’s history, architectural highlights, cultural legacy, visitor information, accessibility, nearby attractions, and practical tips—making it an essential resource for anyone wishing to explore Atlanta’s rich heritage.

Sources referenced throughout this guide include The Clio, Wikipedia, Atlanta Preservation Center, and Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation.

Introduction
History and Construction
Architectural Features
Firefighting Legacy and Community Impact
Preservation and Adaptive Reuse
Significance in Atlanta’s Urban Fabric
Visitor Information
Fire Station No. 11’s Role in African American Heritage
Photography Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit
Conclusion
References

History and Construction

Built in 1907 and opening in 1908, Fire Station No. 11 was designed by Morgan & Dillon, a key architectural firm in Atlanta’s early 20th-century civic development (Wikipedia). The station served the rapidly expanding neighborhoods north of downtown, reflecting the city’s dedication to modernized public safety following devastating fires like the Great Atlanta Fire of 1917 (Atlanta History Center).

Originally located at 30 North Avenue, the station became a cornerstone in Atlanta’s transition from volunteer to professional, motorized fire services (The Clio).

Architectural Features

Fire Station No. 11 is a two-story brick building characterized by restrained Beaux-Arts detailing, Italianate arched truck bays, a robust stone foundation, and original interior elements such as pressed-metal ceilings and wooden coal bins. The design—functional yet elegant—signifies the civic aspirations of early 20th-century Atlanta (GravelMag).

The station is among the last in Atlanta constructed for horse-drawn fire apparatus, marking the shift to motorized vehicles by 1918 (The Clio).

Firefighting Legacy and Community Impact

Fire Station No. 11 played a pivotal role in Atlanta’s emergency response, including during the 1946 Winecoff Hotel fire and the 1913 Ponce Deleon Apartments fire (Wikipedia). As Atlanta’s first all-Black fire company, established in 1890, the station was a beacon of professional opportunity and pride for African Americans during segregation (The Clio).

Preservation and Adaptive Reuse

After retiring from active service, Fire Station No. 11 was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and later featured on Atlanta’s Most Endangered Historic Places list (Atlanta Preservation Center). Adaptive reuse efforts have transformed the space into Engine 11 Firehouse Tavern and, more recently, Negril ATL—a restaurant preserving the building’s historic ambiance (The Clio).

The site at 2023 Vine Street, associated with the station’s later history, houses Vine Street Studios, supporting Black artists and cultural events (The Clio).

Significance in Atlanta’s Urban Fabric

Fire Station No. 11 embodies post-Civil War architectural ambition and urban resilience. Its preservation aligns with citywide trends embracing adaptive reuse, ensuring that vital threads of Atlanta’s history remain vibrant within the contemporary landscape (GravelMag).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Tours

Negril ATL (30 North Avenue): Open daily, typically from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. No admission fee; guests are welcome during dining hours.
Vine Street Studios (2023 Vine Street): Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Free entry; guided tours available by appointment.
Active Fire Station (165 16th Street NW): Tours are by appointment only, usually on weekdays between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Contact Atlanta Fire Rescue Department for scheduling (FireRescue1).

Accessibility

Both the restaurant and Vine Street Studios are wheelchair accessible. For specific accommodations, contact the venue in advance.

Location & Directions

Negril ATL: 30 North Avenue, Atlanta, GA
Vine Street Studios: 2023 Vine Street, Atlanta, GA
Active Station: 165 16th Street NW, Atlanta, GA

Accessible by car, rideshare, and public transit; parking options available nearby.

Nearby Attractions

Georgia Institute of Technology
Centennial Olympic Park
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (Discover Atlanta)
Ponce City Market
Atlanta BeltLine

Fire Station No. 11’s Role in African American Heritage

A Beacon of Black Professional Achievement:
As Atlanta’s first all-Black fire company, Fire Station No. 11 provided unprecedented municipal roles for African Americans during segregation (The Clio). The leadership of Edward S. Baker and the station’s roots in Black neighborhoods cemented its status as a community anchor.

Cultural Preservation:
After decommissioning, the station became home to the Black Archives of Mid-America and now Vine Street Studios, fostering Black cultural expression and historical preservation (The Clio).

Urban Identity and Gentrification:
The station’s story reflects broader trends in Atlanta’s urban evolution, including the challenges and opportunities posed by gentrification and the ongoing need to preserve Black heritage (The Morning Hustle).

Community Engagement:
Vine Street Studios continues to host exhibitions, workshops, and events, ensuring the building remains a vibrant hub for artistic and intergenerational dialogue.

Photography Tips

Exterior: Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for the brick and stone details.
Interior: Capture pressed-metal ceilings, arched apparatus bays, and historic signage.
Community Events: Document exhibitions and commemorations for a dynamic perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Hours vary by location: Negril ATL (11:00 AM–10:00 PM); Vine Street Studios (Tue–Sat, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM); Active Station (by appointment).

Q: Are tickets required?
A: No admission fees for Negril ATL or Vine Street Studios. Tours at the active station are free but require scheduling.

Q: Is the site accessible?
A: Yes, both main locations are wheelchair accessible.

Q: How do I schedule a tour at the active station?
A: Contact the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department or the station directly; details on advance booking are available (FireRescue1).

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: Georgia Institute of Technology, Centennial Olympic Park, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Ponce City Market, and more.

Plan Your Visit

For up-to-date details, consult Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation, The Clio, and Atlanta Preservation Center.
Download the Audiala app for guided tours, real-time tips, and event notifications.
Follow Vine Street Studios and Atlanta’s historical sites on social media for news and programming.

Conclusion

Fire Station No. 11 is a living testament to Atlanta’s civic resilience, architectural innovation, and African American heritage. From its origins as a pioneering firehouse to its present roles as a restaurant and cultural venue, it continues to inspire and educate. Whether you visit for history, architecture, or community events, Fire Station No. 11 promises a meaningful encounter with Atlanta’s past and present.