Whether you're looking for a "staycation" or a lovers' retreat, this restored 1929 firehouse turned bed and brew is ready for you.
The San Angelo Standard-Times reports once full of firefighters and action, the former Central Fire House, 200 S. Magdalen St., has been transformed into the Old Central Firehouse Bed & Brew.
It was a yearlong labor of hard work and love from owners Jody and Michele Babiash.
"We both have ... been working on this nonstop for a year, seven days a week," Jody Babiash said. "I'm ecstatic."
While the exterior of the building retains the appearance of the original firehouse, the second floor inside gives a modern feel while showcasing the structure's history. The hallways are lined with historic photos and rooms featuring original memorabilia donated from firefighter families and friends.
The upstairs level originally had a radio room, the fire pole and beds in an open space. The Babiashs have transformed the layout to create four bedrooms: The Locker Room, The Chief's Retreat, The Lookout Room and The Hook and Ladder.
Jody Babiash favors The Locker Room, which has a kitchenette and a splash of red lockers.
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"This one is kind of my favorite," Jody Babiash said. "This was one room I had some say in."
The room would be good for someone who wants to take an extended stay, thanks to the in-suite refrigerator and microwave, Michele Babiash said. She had difficulty picking a favorite room.
"Right now, (I'll say) this is my favorite, but then I walk into another room and go, `OK, this is my favorite,' " Michele Babiash said.
They also have a lounge area, where guests can relax for a self-serve breakfast and a happy hour, which will include beer, wine and cocktails.
When walking in, people can see original exposed brick and the original wood floors that saw hundreds of brave firefighters work over the years.
"Above these floors were three layers of other flooring, and we started taking all that off and we saw these hardwood floors. ... We refinished them a little bit," Jody Babiash said.
People will soon be able to make reservations through its website, ocfbedandbrew.com, or set up a time to see the place by contacting the bed-and-brew. Rooms will start at $150, but the price could change later.
"We just want it to be kind of like a getaway," Michele Babiash said. "We find that people here need a little `staycation' or can't always leave for long because of the kids."
The Babiashs also believe the place will make a great romantic getaway or friends' retreat and bring more people to San Angelo.
Downstairs, which is a work in progress, will have an outdoor patio, pizzeria, craft beer on tap and a merchandise store. The Babiashs hope to have the downstairs area opened by the end of 2019.
For now, they want to focus on getting the upstairs area running.
Want to stay updated on construction and see peeks at the Old Central Firehouse Bed and Brew? Follow it on Facebook and Instagram.
The historic nature of the building was one of the things that attracted the Babiashs, and it brought forth some nostalgic conversations during the construction.
"I feel like the best stuff was the people just stopping by (during renovations)," Michelle Babiash said. "Older gentlemen (would say) `Oh, I worked here' or people (would say) `My grandpa worked here, my dad worked here.' "
The building was designed by El Paso architects Trost & Trost, who also designed San Angelo's City Hall. This firehouse was in operation from 1929-1976 until its operations were moved to 306 W. 1st St., where it remains to this day.
One interesting piece of history comes from the 1936 flood. A sign on the wall reads "High-Water Mark: Flood of September 1936, U.S. Geological Survey" and is roughly 8 feet high inside the building.
This was also home to the City Recreation Department and Senior Citizens Center until 1998, and it was the home of Healthy Families of San Angelo, now at 2801 W. Loop 306 A.
