Streeterville in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Engine Company 98 Firehouse

C. F. Hermann, architect

— Built 1902-04 —

Engine Company 98 Firehouse Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 25, 2025

1. Engine Company 98 Firehouse Marker

Inscription. Designated a Chicago Landmark on June 10, 1981.

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the firehouse and the 98th anniversary of the organization of Engine Company 98 on October 31, 1904, the plaque is dedicated by a grateful community.

Richard M. Daley
Mayor

James T. Joyce
Fire Commissioner

Burton F. Natarus Alderman 42nd Ward

Alicia Mazur Berg
Commissioner

Erected 2002.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Landmarks. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.

Location. 41° 53.816′ N, 87° 37.361′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Streeterville. It is on East Chicago Avenue west of Mies van der Rohe Way, on the right when traveling west. The plaque is to the left of the garage door to the firehouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 202 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago IL 60611, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Eli M. Schulman Playground (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial to Dentists Killed in the World Wars (within shouting distance of this marker); Past Presidents of the American Dental Association (within shouting distance of this marker); Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Great World War (about 500 feet away); Old Water Tower (about 500 feet away); DeWitt Clinton Cregier (about 500 feet away); Chicago Water Tower (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

More about this marker. While the plaque says the firehouse was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1981, it appears that its landmark status came as part of a 1981 expansion of the Old Chicago Water Tower District. That district was first created in 1971 and includes the neighboring Chicago Avenue Pumping Station and the Chicago Water Tower, two famous survivors of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Engine 98 is omitted from the city's official lists of Chicago Landmarks, which do include at least 13 other former or active firehouses.

That

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 25, 2025

2. Engine Company 98 Firehouse Marker

unique designation would explain why the firehouse’s historical marker resembles a Chicago Landmark plaque but strays from the usual ones in a few ways. For one, it lacks at the top either the city seal or the words "Chicago Landmark." Additionally, the text has a peculiar written style that includes little historical information beyond names and dates, and instead serves as a dedication plaque for Engine 98's 100th anniversary.

Regarding Engine Company 98 Firehouse. This firehouse was built in a Victorian Gothic style meant to complement the Chicago Water Tower and Pumping Station nearby. The ornate firehouse cost almost $20,000 to build, much more than other firehouses; according to a city report on the Old Chicago Water Tower Historic District, some speculate that this building was actually built with funds provided by prominent Chicago business leader Potter Palmer, and potentially even modeled after his castle-like Lake Shore Drive mansion (torn down in 1950).

Architect Charles Hermann served as city architect. He is credited with at least two more Chicago Landmark buildings: the former Engine Company 104, Truck 31 firehouse

Engine Company 98 Firehouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 25, 2025

3. Engine Company 98 Firehouse

The Water Tower Place high rise is in the background, and behind it a portion of 875 N. Michigan (formerly the John Hancock Center).

at 1401 S. Michigan Ave. on the near south side and the Martin Schnitzius Cottage at 1925 N. Fremont St. in Old Town.

Also see . . .
1. CFD Engine 98 (Facebook). (Submitted on February 26, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Commission on Chicago Landmarks: Old Chicago Water Tower District. A 1984 report by Chicago's landmarks commission includes a history of the Engine 98 Firehouse, starting on page 9.

Excerpt: "Contributing to the character of the area is the Fire Station of Engine Company No. 98 which stands immediately east of the pumping station. This little one-engine firehouse was designed to complement the style of the waterworks and is a rare example of the Victorian Gothic style applied to this type of building. It has served as the headquarters of Engine Company No. 98 since the formation of that company on October 31, 1904."

(Submitted on February 27, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Edmond Coglianese memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 25, 2025

4. Edmond Coglianese memorial

To the west (left) of the engine house is a memorial to Lt. Edmond Coglianese, a member of Engine 98 who died in the line of duty on January 26, 1986. That morning, Coglianese entered the burning Mark Twain Hotel, at 111 W. Division St. about a mile northwest of this fire house, and helped two elderly residents escape down a ladder. He then returned to the building to search for more victims, but became trapped by fire and smoke. He was eventually found by firefighters but their efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at Northwestern Hospital. The 43-year-old firefighter was survived by his wife, 12-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son. The same day, incidentally, the Chicago Bears won their only Super Bowl title.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 665 times since then and 177 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 26, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.