Hueber Homes: Preserving the Past and Building the Future

The Legacy of 914 Elm Street

914 Elm Street stands as a living testament to the strength, character, and sacrifice of generations past. Established in 1925 as the headquarters of the Underwriters’ Salvage Corps of Cincinnati, the historic Firehouse on Elm has been home to hundreds of individuals whose lives were defined by service, courage, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others.

As the first city in the United States to establish a paid fire department, Cincinnati carries a deeply rooted legacy of innovation in fire protection and conservation. At the heart of that legacy stands the Underwriters’ Salvage Corps—a dedicated group of men whose mission was to preserve and protect the lives, property, and possessions of the community they served. Working in close coordination with the Cincinnati Fire Department, they routinely placed themselves in harm’s way, ensuring that what could be saved in the aftermath of fire and disaster would not be lost.

Although the responsibilities of the Underwriters’ Salvage Corps were ultimately absorbed by the Cincinnati Fire Department in 1959, the decades of service rendered within these walls left an enduring imprint on the city’s identity. Their commitment to preservation, partnership, and public service helped shape both the evolution of Cincinnati’s fire protection system and the broader spirit of the community itself. This is the enduring legacy of 914 Elm Street.

The Next Chapter 

In 2019, 914 Elm Street entered a new chapter in its long and storied history when the building was purchased for use as a private residence. This next evolution was brought to life by Hueber Homes, whose expertise in luxury, custom construction and historic renovation made them uniquely suited to reimagine the landmark. Through their design-build approach, Hueber Homes works closely with clients, architects, and master craftsmen to carefully balance preservation with innovation. Their deep experience within Cincinnati’s historic districts, including Over-the-Rhine, allows them to honor the integrity of original structures while thoughtfully adapting them for modern living. A longstanding commitment to sustainability—reflected in their early adoption of LEED-certified residential practices—further reinforces their philosophy of responsible, future-forward development.

Within this framework, the historic firehouse has been thoughtfully transformed into a singular residence that celebrates both its industrial past and contemporary function. The first floor opens into a dramatic vestibule, evoking the building’s heritage, featuring a preserved fire pole, original-style fire lockers, and generous entry space that sets a powerful tone upon arrival. Beyond the entry, the level unfolds into a dynamic living and entertainment space anchored by a custom bar and a glass-walled home office, balancing openness with privacy. This floor also includes two well-suited bedrooms, each with a private full bath, as well as a remarkable six-car garage complete with a turntable for seamless vehicle movement. Complementing these features are dedicated recreation spaces—including a pool table area, shuffleboard court, and dart setup—designed to support both entertaining and everyday enjoyment.

The second floor transitions into a more expansive and refined residential environment. A grand great room with 17-foot ceilings serves as the architectural centerpiece, filling the space with natural light. This flows naturally into a formal dining room and a sleek, modern kitchen designed for both daily living and elevated entertaining. The primary suite offers a private retreat, complete with oversized his-and-hers closets and a spa-inspired bathroom featuring a steam room. Two additional guest bedrooms with a shared full bath provide comfortable accommodations, while a mezzanine library overlooks the dining area, adding both architectural interest and a quiet, contemplative space above the main living level.

At the top of the home, the penthouse level crowns the residence as an open-air sanctuary above the city. Designed for year-round enjoyment and sweeping 360-degree views of the Cincinnati skyline, along with multiple seating areas, dual fire pits and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and bath. Integrated into the design are 60 solar panels positioned atop the structure, seamlessly combining luxury living with a commitment to modern sustainability.

The Power of Preservation

They say you can’t teach old homes new tricks. We disagree.

This mindset defined Hueber Homes’ approach to the project. While widely known for their new custom builds, this undertaking pushed the team into a different kind of challenge, a full structural rehabilitation that demanded creativity and a deep respect for the building’s history. 

Unlike new construction, where everything begins with a blank slate, rehabbing a historic structure is more like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. Existing materials have to be preserved where possible, structural issues need to be addressed without compromising integrity, and modern systems have to be integrated seamlessly into a decades-old framework. 

For Hueber Homes, this was an invitation to show that their capabilities have no boundaries. With over 30 years of experience, the team leaned into the complexity. From stabilizing aging structural elements to reimagining interior layouts, every decision required a careful balance between preservation and innovation. The goal wasn’t simply to restore the building—it was to reimagine it for contemporary life while honoring its past.