The older part was built in 1902 as Horn by House, Mumbai is the first fire station. It was a small service to cater to the population of the time. The building which is still intact is of stone and has always been three floors. The original façade has been maintained.   Like a fire station, Horn by House housed just a few wagons, their horses, and supplies. The men and offices were on the floors above. Today, it forms the west wing of the Residency Fort, accounting for half the lobby, restaurant, and the rooms above.  

There is no significant information available on the east wing, except that it was a new style construction of bricks, owned by a Muslim family and was having a bad run as a commercial complex.