MNN El Barrio Firehouse Community Media Center

About the Firehouse

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The MNN El Barrio Firehouse Community Media Center opened its doors to the community in 2012. Firehouse has three television studios, editing suites and classroom spaces in the four-story building. The lobby includes a gallery space showcasing the work of visual artists, photographers and artisans. A three-camera television studio on the first floor is the site of community events, activities and television productions. The Producers’ Hub on the second floor is the center of the public access facility with two fully equipped express television studios, several editing suites and classroom. The Youth Media Center on the third floor is dedicated to workshops, classes and training for young people.

The Firehouse is a historical landmark. Designed by Napoleon Le Brun & Sons, the official New York City Fire Department architects, the Fire Department purchased the lot on 104th Street in May 1883, and Engine 53 moved into the brand new building on January 15, 1885. The basement was used for coal storage and a workshop. The street level floor was roughed in squares to give the horses traction. The hose tower, which looks from the front as if it were another full floor at the top of the building, had a water tank for spare supply, hay and grain storage for the horses. In February, 1893, the building had hot water and an indoor toilet added. Horses were used as late as 1922, and at about that time a cement floors was poured at street level to accommodate the "horseless" carriages and pumpers.

MNN is proud to own and maintain this beautiful space, serving the local, vibrant community.

Please note that the MNN El Barrio Firehouse will be closed the Saturday before any holiday that falls on a Monday.

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