Preserving History
We recognize the historical significance of the building and its contents to firefighters, as well as the community. We have enjoyed hearing from people with memories and stories of the building, equipment, and the people who have lived and worked in there. We understand that it is more than just a building, but a respected landmark not only in Torrington, but in the country.
To that end, we have worked to save, salvage and repurpose the contents into displays as well as reuse in new and unique ways.
The Outside
While the brick facade of the firehouse has been restored, the most noticed features are the new doors and windows.
The doors are a historical representation of the original style used when the firehouse opened. The major difference is they are made of modern materials to provide energy efficiencies and durability.
The windows have been replaced with custom, modern energy efficient ones with the original trim colors.
Additionally, the driveway on the side was enlarged and parking was added behind the building.
The Inside
The inside was undergone an extensive transformation, while keeping the spirit of the firehouse intact. Many of the internal features of the building where heavily damaged and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the internally configuration was updated to meet the needs of the brewery as well as meet all mode building codes and standards.
While the interior walls are new and most of the damaged bead-board has been removed, areas like the from staircases have been restored.
Additionally, the columns and steel structures have been added support the building for a very long time.
First Floor Bar
The first floor bar needed to make a statement. It draws inspiration from the bars of old days, with a large long area for friends to gather share good times together.
While the design is new and includes all the modern features of a bar, it is firmly rooted in the history of the firehouse.
The top of the bar is made from reclaimed beams that originally supported the second floor. The front of the bar is made from boards which actually made up the second floor. The bead-board used on the sides is the same bead-board that once covered the brick walls.
Second Floor Bar
The design of the second floor bar needed to be unique and modern, but still have the spirit of the old firehouse.
The bar top and baseboard are made from reclaimed rafters that once supported the ceilings on the second floor. When we decided to expose all of the intricate and amazing structural beams which support the firehouse. The trim pieces are made from reclaimed floor boards. The bead-board used on the sides is the same bead-board that once covered the brick walls.
The Card Room/Xbox Room
Originally a card room for the firefighters to relax and play cards, it has been rebuilt adding modern features such as TVs, LED lighting, sound systems, USB charging stations and an Xbox.
While the original plaster walls, ceilings, and doors were damaged beyond repair, the original waistcoating, trim and transom windows were saved and restored.
Additionally, we added shelve seating along the sides of the room. These shelves are made from reclaimed wood that was the original catwalk from the back of the firehouse to the bell tower.
The Day Rooms
Originally, the day rooms were used for the firefighters used to relax and live in during their tim in the firehouse, they have been repurposed to provide additional spaces for guests as well as private parties.
The rooms have their waistcoating and trim repaired and replaced. Additionally, the damaged plaster walls and ceilings were replaced, while leaving items, such as the massive sliding door between the two rooms in place and functional.
Tables
We have created two types of tables for the brewery.
The Long Tables -
The long tables were made to reflect the long tables of a traditional European Beer Hall. The tables are made from the rafters for the second floor ceilings. We left the nail holes, saw marks, and holes. They are minimally finished to bring out the uniqueness of the 120 year old boards.
The Short Tables -
The short tables were made from the old floor boards on the second floor. The wood was cleaned up, cut to length, and sanded. They are also laser etched with the unique Bad Dog Brewing Company logo. As with the long tables, the nail holes, saw marks, and holes were left. They are also minimally finished to bring out the natural beauty of the 120 year old boards.
Flight Holders
We created two types of flight holders for the brewery. As the other items, we repurposed wood salvaged from the firehouse. The wood and its unique graining and natural beauty retains the history of the firehouse. The design allows for the glasses to drop through milled holes when being carried. We also laser numbered the holes.
The Flight Holder -
The flight holder is a traditional 4 sample flight holder. It is made from salvaged rafters from the second floor ceilings. We left the nail holes, saw marks, and holes. They are minimally finished to bring out the uniqueness of the 120 year old boards.
The Big Dog -
The Big Dog is a super sized 12 sample flight holder made for sharing. It is made from salvaged floor boards from the second floor. We left the nail holes, saw marks, and holes. They are minimally finished to bring out the uniqueness of the 120 year old boards.
Tap Handles
The design of the tap handles is simple and functional. They are traditional tap handles with a tapered bottom. The handles are made from floor boards that were turned on lathe to get the desired shape. They were then laser engraved with the Bad Dog Brewing Company logo and minimally finished to bring out the natural beauty of the wood.