For more than a century, the historic Far Hills Firehouse has been a downtown landmark. Now, this old firehouse is getting ready to trade fire hoses and ladders for fresh pastries, ice cream, and coffee!
The Beginnings
Back in 1901, when Far Hills was still part of Bernards Township, the community’s volunteer firefighters operated out of a modest wooden firehouse. But as the little village grew, so did its need for a bigger, better home for its firefighters.
Sadly, a major fire destroyed the original firehouse on July 4, 1929. The Far Hills firefighters’ skill saved many other buildings, and a reputable fire insurance company donated $100 to the fire company. The donation came after the firefighters heroically saved L.V. Ludlow’s valuable buildings from near-certain destruction.
New Borough – New Firehouse
On November 18, 1921, Far Hills opened the doors to a handsome brick, concrete, and steel firehouse we recognize today. That same year, Far Hills officially became an independent Borough. Talk about perfect timing! With its distinctive bell tower, arched windows, and classic architecture, the new Union Hook & Ladder No. 1 firehouse quickly became one of the town’s most recognizable buildings. But this was never just a place to park fire trucks. For generations, the firehouse was a community gathering spot, hosting celebrations, civic meetings, and social events. Neighbors came together, friendships formed, and countless Far Hills memories were made.
Firehouse Moves to Bedminster
Eventually, the fire trucks moved on, the celebrations faded, and the once-bustling firehouse became a storage building primarily. Its historic character remained, but its days as a lively community centerpiece seemed to be behind it. In 1998, seeking to eliminate confusion surrounding its original name, Union Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 officially became the Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department.
Far Hills – A New Alarm Is Sounding: This Time for a Bakery, Ice Creamery, and CafĂ©
Now, more than 100 years after the firehouse’s grand opening, the Far Hills firehouse is preparing for an exciting second act. Thanks to a proposed adaptive reuse project by Bernardsville’s Eric Colwell and his childhood friend Patrick Ramsey (Passive Investor and Partner), the historic landmark is being reimagined as what they’re calling the FireHaus, a bakery, cafĂ©, and creamery (called the IceHause), a welcoming destination for coffee, breakfast and lunch, and homemade baked goods, ice cream, and community gatherings.
Speaking with the managing partner Eric Colwell, it quickly became clear that his vision goes well beyond opening another business. His goal is to create a high-quality, community-minded gathering place that celebrates Far Hills’ character, charm, and history while breathing new life into one of the Borough’s most recognizable landmarks. Rather than starting from scratch, Colwell and Ramsey believe in adaptive reuse, proving that history doesn’t have to disappear to make room for something new.
And he’s got a point. Far Hills sits at the center of it all, nestled between Bedminster, Bernardsville, and Basking Ridge, with Routes 202, 206, 287, and 78 nearby. Its rich history reaches back to Grant Schley, whose vision and investment helped shape the village through its early schools, churches, civic institutions, and fire protection services. That legacy remains visible today in the historic firehouse.
“I wanted to do something fun and worthwhile,” Colwell explained. “Florida’s not for me. I’m staying right here, right in the center of the Somerset Hills.”
The redevelopment plans call for preserving the building’s distinctive bell tower, arched doorways, and historic window details while strengthening the structure. New features, including an outdoor patio, rooftop terrace, shade trees, and attractive landscaping, are intended to complement the original architecture. Colwell envisions transforming this longtime community landmark into a first-class destination, bringing fresh energy, hospitality, and a renewed sense of gathering to the heart of downtown Far Hills.
After more than a century of serving the community, the old firehouse will soon take on a new purpose: bringing people together. Imagine enjoying an ice cream cone where fire engines once rolled out; sipping coffee beside a building that has watched over Far Hills for more than a century; and meeting friends at a place where generations of residents once gathered for community celebrations.
Many wondered if the firehouse bell is still in the tower. Actually, the firehouse bell was originally a school bell. The school bell, which had hung in Schley Hall and subsequently in the old firehouse, was installed in a tower above the new building. A code was established to note the fire’s location. It was also tolled every day at twelve noon. However, when the town built a new firehouse down off Miller Lane in Bedminster, they placed the bell at the new Far Hills-Bedminster Firehouse. “We even tried to get the bell back to put in the Far Hills tower, but without any luck,” stated Colwell. “Then again, it’s ok since it’s in its new home now; where it should be.”
From fighting fires to serving sweet treats, the Far Hills Firehouse may soon answer a whole new kind of call.
Perhaps the best part of this story is that the building’s purpose may be changing, but its role as a place that brings people together could be coming full circle. For Far Hills, Firehaus Bakery and Creamery represents more than another new business. It’s an opportunity to preserve a beloved landmark, celebrate local history, and give a treasured piece of the Borough’s past a delicious new future.
The plans call for up to 140 seats, including 70 indoors and 70 outdoors. Looking around, you can’t help but notice the top-end amenities that will make the old firehouse new again while keeping its historic charm. There’s really nothing around like it. As we pressed Eric for an opening date, his answer was, “I wanted to open it every month for the last six months!”… but without a firm day, the best we got out of him is: ‘as soon as we can.”
Get Ready People – it’s gonna be great. Eric and his partner Patrick are confident in the team they hired, led by restaurateur Jeff Bauer, who has decades of experience in the business. And with what we’ve seen, Far Hills is lucky to have such great partners.
It’ll Always Be Historic
Despite the firehouse’s century-long history, dating back to November 18, 1921, the Far Hills Firehouse at 39 Dumont Road has never received formal recognition on either the New Jersey or National Register of Historic Places. Why not? We found no evidence it was ever nominated or rejected, suggesting the Borough may never have pursued registration to document its historic significance.
Interestingly, the Borough recognized the building’s importance more than two decades ago. Its January 2003 Master Plan identified the firehouse as an important village landmark and recommended keeping it on its original site, with its historic façade preserved. The plan even anticipated its conversion to commercial or residential use. Preservation and redevelopment were always intended to work together.
Now, as the firehouse undergoes renovations for a new business, is it too late to seek historic designation? Fortunately, not necessarily. Historic buildings can be adapted for commercial use and still qualify for registration, provided they retain their historic character and architectural integrity. The distinctive bell tower, arched openings, and generations of volunteer firefighting history make this landmark worthy of evaluation.
Perhaps the bigger question is why a building the Borough itself recommended preserving has never received formal historic recognition. As the firehouse begins its next chapter, now is an ideal opportunity to evaluate its eligibility and ensure this familiar piece of Far Hills history remains part of the village’s future, because it’s certainly already part of its history.
People and Community
The idea behind the new business at the old Far Hills firehouse is Eric Colwell. Born and raised in Bernardsville, New Jersey, Eric Colwell is a Bernards High School Class of ’85 graduate, entrepreneur, and community leader bringing his business experience and passion back to the Somerset Hills community he has always called home.
After a successful career in pharmaceutical leadership and founding Payer Sciences in 2009, Colwell shifted his focus to community investment and local entrepreneurship. He serves as President of the Board of Directors of Music in the Somerset Hills (MISH), supporting musical education and the performing arts. He also serves as President of the Board of Trustees at Bishop Janes United Methodist Church in Basking Ridge, reflecting his commitment to local institutions and community service.
Today, Colwell is investing in Somerset Hills’ future alongside business partners and lifelong friends. Their projects include Fire Hause Artisan Bakery/CafĂ©/Creamery in Far Hills and Gladstones West Line Brewery, with openings planned for 2026 and 2027. From corporate leadership to revitalizing local gathering places, Eric Colwell’s story is about coming home, giving back, and investing in the community that helped shape him.
