Historic N.J. Firehouse Reveals New Haas Door Garage Doors

Built in 1870, the Market Street Firehouse in Morristown, N.J. today serves as a location for antique fire trucks and historical items. During its 150th anniversary year, the brick structure received an exterior upgrade including new Haas garage doors in dark green, matching trim work in dark green and a red entry door.

“The design of the garage door was chosen by a fire department member who is well versed in historical structures,” says Robert Flanagan, chief of Morristown Fire Bureau in N.J. “The team at Durable Doors helped us find the carriage house style garage door in the American Tradition™ Series from Haas Door.

“We wanted windows in the garage doors to showcase the antique equipment in the fire house, so we requested a custom design of two different panels of tempered glass. The exterior of the building has always been red brick with dark green trim, so we are exceptionally pleased with the Hunter Green on the garage doors. We were even able to get the same Sherwin-Williams® paint color used on the garage doors for the window trim!”

A Piece of History

Located at 15 Market Street, the structure houses two companies, the Washington Engine Co. and the Independent Hose Co. No longer in use, volunteers continue to restore the Market Street Firehouse and the first motorized fire truck, which sits at the location. 

“This historic firehouse is very much a part of the fabric of Morristown,” says Joe Kretschmer with Durable Door out of Denville, N.J. “The older commercial flush garage doors had small porthole lites. Those garage doors had seen better days. 

“We’re excited that our company was able to install the American Tradition Series doors (Model 922) that look so good on this great piece of local history.”

150 Years of History

According to Chief Flanagan, who has been with the department since 1985, the design of the new garage doors “balances” with the large windows situated above them. 

“This firehouse has been here for 150 years,” says Flanagan. “It was the first fire station in Morristown. Just imagine how many fires the crews have responded to during that time. That’s an incredible accomplishment. Now, with our restoration complete, that history will be shared with future generations.

“These Haas garage doors are definitely an upgrade for the firehouse. Yet, in a wonderful way, they look like they fit in perfectly with the historic setting. We’re really pleased with their functionality, their style and their terrific architectural look.”

The American Tradition Series garage doors are handcrafted at the Haas Door facility in Ohio. Each board is individually cut, matched and attached to provide a precise fit and appearance.  Made of durable steel, the carriage house style garage doors resemble real wood, but without the maintenance hassles of wood.

“When we were originally creating the American Tradition Series we imagined the timeless beauty of carriage houses from the 1800s,” says Jeffery Nofziger, president of Haas Door. “This firehouse is the perfect way to showcase these garage doors. Looking at the exterior of this property it accurately reflects when the firehouse was originally built. That’s the handcrafted quality we want to bring to all our garage doors. We use modern materials that provide low maintenance and the authentic look of wood.”