Robert J. Quinn Chicago Fire Academy
558 W De Koven St, Chicago, IL 60607
(Little Italy/University Village)
This is the only address on De Koven Street. This bright orange brick building sits at the northwest corner of Taylor and Jefferson streets. The Robert J. Quinn Fire Academy was built in 1961 on the site of Mrs. Catherine O’Leary’s barn, the supposed starting point of The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. That historic event is memorialized by Edgar Weiner’s 33-foot, abstract, bronze sculpture, “Pillar of Fire,” which sits outside. An artificial streetscape of fire escapes, windows, and chimneys used for mock firefighting exercises are inside the building. On the southeast side is a three-story wing for offices and classrooms. The site was designated a Chicago Landmark on September 15, 1971, 100 years after the fire.
This is the only address on De Koven Street. This bright orange brick building sits at the northwest corner of Taylor and Jefferson streets. The Robert J. Quinn Fire Academy was built in 1961 on the site of Mrs. Catherine O’Leary’s barn, the supposed starting point of The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. That historic event is memorialized by Edgar Weiner’s 33-foot, abstract, bronze sculpture, “Pillar of Fire,” which sits outside. An artificial streetscape of fire escapes, windows, and chimneys used for mock firefighting exercises are inside the building. On the southeast side is a three-story wing for offices and classrooms. The site was designated a Chicago Landmark on September 15, 1971, 100 years after the fire.
