The city constructed the Congress Street Fire Station to protect the rapidly growing warehouse district of South Boston. Engine Company 38–39 occupied the new structure, a two-and-a-half-story brick and granite building with two engine bays. As city architect, Harrison Atwood designed numerous fire stations and school buildings throughout Boston. After several engine and ladder company reorganizations, the station was deactivated on November 11, 1977. The Boston Sparks Associations, Inc., a private group of fire history enthusiasts, has operated the Boston Fire Museum here since 1983, when a fire, ironically, destroyed their previous building and collection.