Charlotte’s Firehouse 7 Marks 90 Years of Service in NoDa
Published on May 12, 2025
A historic photo of Firehouse 7 paired with Firefighter Moser, who joined the crew in 2010—representing the enduring legacy of service carried forward by each new generation.
In a city shaped by constant growth and change, one firehouse has remained a steadfast symbol of service for nearly a century.
Charlotte Firehouse 7, located at 3210 N. Davidson Street, is marking 90 years of continuous operation, making it one of the oldest active firehouses in the city. Opened in 1935 to serve what was then a thriving mill village, the firehouse still operates today—protecting the same streets that have evolved into the city’s vibrant NoDa arts district.
“Firehouse 7 represents everything we stand for in the fire service,” said Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson. “It’s a place where service isn’t just a word—it’s lived out every day. For 90 years, the firefighters at Firehouse 7 have answered the call without hesitation, and with deep pride in the neighborhood they protect.”
A look back at Charlotte Firehouse 7 in its early years. The two-story brick firehouse opened in 1935 and has stood proudly in North Charlotte ever since—serving generations with unwavering commitment.
The firehouse is one of only three pre–World War II firehouses in Charlotte that still serves its original purpose. The others—Firehouses 5 and 6—were also designed by Charles Christian Hook, the architect who brought civic vision and craftsmanship to Charlotte’s early public buildings. But for those who work there today, the significance of Firehouse 7 has less to do with its design and more to do with the tradition of service that lives inside its walls.
Firehouse 7 opened during a period of rapid development in North Charlotte, a neighborhood planned and built by textile industry leaders in the early 20th century. The area’s major employers—Highland Park Mill No. 3, Johnston Mill, and Mecklenburg Mill—were surrounded by tightly packed mill houses, churches, a business district, and families whose lives were tied directly to the prosperity of the mills.
Those same families relied on Firehouse 7 for protection. Whether it was a chimney fire on Mercury Street or a factory accident in one of the mills, firefighters based here were among the most essential responders in the area. The neighborhood at the time had a reputation for being tough, working-class, and deeply connected—and the firehouse was a trusted part of that social fabric.
Still ready. Still serving. Charlotte Fire Engine 7 sits proudly in front of the same firehouse that has stood watch over NoDa since 1935.
The firehouse itself was constructed in the “storefront style,” intended to fit the scale and look of the neighborhood. It originally included a jail cell—used occasionally to hold rowdy mill workers until police arrived—a reflection of the multipurpose roles public safety buildings played in industrial districts at the time.
As the decades passed, the mills began to close, and the neighborhood changed. By the 1970s, the once-thriving North Charlotte district had fallen into economic decline. Many of the storefronts were vacant, and the housing stock was deteriorating. But Firehouse 7 remained operational throughout, responding to emergencies, adapting to the evolving needs of the area, and maintaining a steady presence amid uncertainty.
In the 1990s, a group of local artists, developers, and longtime residents began a slow process of neighborhood revitalization. The once-forgotten stretch of North Davidson Street began to reemerge as NoDa—short for North Davidson—a cultural hub defined by creativity, music, and small business innovation.
Firefighter Isaiah Turner of Charlotte Firehouse 7 walks past a colorful NoDa mural—symbolizing the connection between the firehouse’s tradition of service and the neighborhood’s bold, creative spirit.
Historic buildings were preserved and repurposed into galleries, restaurants, and music venues. The old mill homes were restored by new owners, drawn by the neighborhood’s charm and character. What was once a working-class industrial village evolved into one of Charlotte’s most distinct districts. Through all of it, Firehouse 7 remained—not just standing, but serving.
“It’s not just about a building surviving for 90 years,” said Chief Johnson. “It’s about the people inside—past and present—who have committed themselves to serving this city with pride. That’s what we’re celebrating.”
Today’s firefighters at Firehouse 7 carry on that tradition in a very different environment. Instead of factory alarms and mill fires, crews now respond to structure fires, EMS calls, vehicle accidents, and complex urban incidents. NoDa’s narrow streets and dense construction present their own challenges, but the mission remains unchanged: protect life, property, and the community.
A walk through the heart of North Davidson’s art district, where Firehouse 7 continues to protect a neighborhood full of history, character, and change.
Firehouse 7 also remains closely connected to the neighborhood. Its location in a walkable district means that many residents pass by daily, often waving to crews or stopping to speak with firefighters. Community visibility and outreach continue to be key elements of the firehouse’s presence.
Though the building has been updated over the years, its historic bones remain. The original brick façade still faces N. Davidson Street, a familiar sight in a neighborhood now lined with murals and music. Its size and layout may differ from Charlotte’s modern firehouses, but Firehouse 7 continues to meet operational needs thanks to thoughtful upgrades and dedicated personnel.
Its legacy also connects directly to Charlotte’s fire service history. When the city transitioned from volunteer to municipal firefighters in 1887, it sought not only to modernize operations but to improve the professionalism and reliability of those who served. Firehouses like Firehouse 7 were part of that early infrastructure—designed not just as workplaces but as community institutions that could foster public trust.
An early 1940s American LaFrance 500 Series engine parked outside Charlotte Firehouse 7. This classic rig represents a pivotal era in Charlotte Fire history, when motorized apparatus began replacing horse-drawn equipment and transforming emergency response across the city.
Firehouse 7 embodies that original intent. It has never been just about emergency response—it has always been about service.
“Every alarm, every shift, every neighbor who walks through those doors—those are the moments that define Firehouse 7,” Chief Johnson said. “It’s a special place in our department and in the city.”
The firehouse’s longevity is rare, especially in a city known for redevelopment and reinvention. That it has remained active for nearly a century speaks to both its foundational importance and the continuing relevance of fire service in every generation.
A firefighter from Charlotte Firehouse 7 stands before one of NoDa’s iconic murals—connecting the firehouse’s mission of service to the neighborhood’s vibrant artistic identity.
As Charlotte continues to grow, with neighborhoods like NoDa becoming more densely populated and commercially active, the demands on fire crews will only increase. Firehouse 7’s presence near the center of a busy district ensures it will remain a critical part of Charlotte Fire’s operations.
And while the building’s 90th anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect, department leadership is also looking to the future.
“There’s something powerful about standing in a place where generations of firefighters have done this work,” Chief Johnson said. “But we’re not just preserving the past—we’re continuing the mission. That’s what matters most.”
Members of Firehouse 7 raise the American flag, honoring the values of duty and community that have defined their firehouse for 90 years.
Firehouse 7 is expected to remain active for years to come, a rare blend of history and operational necessity. It’s a firehouse with a story—one rooted in grit, community, and unbroken service.
For the neighborhood it protects, and for the city it serves, Firehouse 7 isn’t just old. It’s enduring.
Captain Jason Cook (A Shift), Captain David King (B Shift), and Captain Henry Cook (C Shift). These dedicated leaders represent the strength and continuity of Charlotte Firehouse 7—each serving with pride on behalf of the citizens of NoDa.