DES MOINES, Iowa --
Chet Guinn lives in a place thousands of people see during their daily commute, but few probably pause to think about.
His century-old firehouse sits downtown along the freeway between Seventh and Ninth streets. Des Moines' first Fire Station No. 4 was constructed in 1907 when horses still pulled city's fire engines.
Guinn has a photograph of opening day.
"I really appreciate historic things," he said.
Guinn bought his slice of history for $1 in 1980 after winning a race with the wrecking ball.
"I went through the legal process and sued the city," Guinn said. "I have never tried to add up what I've invested in it over the years, but I know it's a good investment."
Guinn said he has renovated every square inch on two floors inside and out. Still, many remnants of the old building remain, including the locker room. These days, Guinn hits the hay in what was a holding area for the horse's corn, oats and hay brought up on a hook.
"They threw it down a chute, which is in that corner over there -- now my clothes chute," Guinn said.
The 3,000-square-foot red brick firehouse originally housed four on-duty firefighters at the busiest fire station in the city.
