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

(Former) Engine Company 104, Truck 31

Charles F. Hermann, architect; 1905

— Chicago Landmark —

(Former) Engine Company 104, Truck 31 Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 28, 2025

1. (Former) Engine Company 104, Truck 31 Marker

Inscription. The design of this firehouse incorporated many innovations aimed at achieving quick departures and providing more comfortable quarters for firefighters. Its Romanesque Revival-style details also make it one of the more distinctive and handsome firehouses in the City. Through their history and architecture, Chicago's historic firehouses show how ideas about fire protection and the firehouse itself evolved over time.

Designated on October 1, 2003
Richard M. Daley, Mayor

Erected by Commission on Chicago Landmarks.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 1, 2003.

Location. 41° 51.835′ N, 87° 37.434′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in South Loop. It is on South Michigan Avenue south of 14th Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is near the entrance to the Chicago Firehouse Restaurant. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1401 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60605, 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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 20th Century Healthcare: St. Luke's Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); South Michigan Ave. Motor Row

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(within shouting distance of this marker); George Smith Memorial Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old St. Mary Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Blues Trail: Mississippi to Chicago (approx. ¼ mile away); Hotel Somerset (approx. 0.3 miles away); Central Station Fragments (approx. 0.3 miles away); Tribute to Freedom and Water Wall (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Regarding (Former) Engine Company 104, Truck 31. Charles F. Hermann was city architect in the early 1900s. He is responsible for at least two more Chicago Landmark structures: the Engine Company 98 firehouse near the Chicago Water Tower on the near north side, and the Martin Schnitzius Cottage at 1925 N. Fremont St. in Old Town.

At least 13 former or current Chicago firehouses have been designated as Chicago Landmarks.

Also see . . . The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant official site. The restaurant opened in the old Engine 104 firehouse in 2000. (Submitted on March 4, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

(Former) Engine Company 104 firehouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 28, 2025

2. (Former) Engine Company 104 firehouse

The building is now the Chicago Firehouse Restaurant.

Engine Company 104 historic photo image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of Commission on Chicago Landmarks, circa 1912

3. Engine Company 104 historic photo

Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 213 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 4, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.