DC’s First All-Black Firehouse Becomes Airbnb

A former African-American firehouse undergoes an ambitious—but much-needed—vacation rental makeover on Netflix’s home improvement series, stayhere. The listing, one of DC’s most unique Airbnb rentals, transforms from a collegiate crash pad to a sophisticated rental. With the property’s rebrand comes the celebration of the building’s history.

Over a century ago, the same structure housed the city’s first all African-American fire crew. Battling racism from white peers and superiors, the initial 11 Black firemen saw ascension in rank as only obtainable by forming their own company and promoting from within. And so in 1919, they did just that at the Northwest property once located on R Street.

Famed Civil Rights photographer Gordon Parks visited the station in 1943 and spent time documenting the emergency workers through his lens. Now the storied property that also served as a hippie commune is an $800 a night vacation rental. And thanks to some advice from the show’s hosts, and the owner’s friend, several of Parks’ images are on display inside the home. These visual records paired with other historic materials help tell the property’s—and, in some ways, the city’s—historical narrative.

Featuring exposed brick walls, an original fire pole, gas-powered fireplace, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, exposed wooden beams, and a 2017 architectural redesign, we understand the steep nightly rate. The 2,000-square-foot historic space can also be rented for private events and weddings.