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The Landmarks Preservation Commission granted landmark status to three firehouses last month.

Engine Company 83, Hook & Ladder Company 29 in Mott Haven and Squad 41 in Melrose are the first two firehouses in the Bronx to be given the designation.

Squad 41 was one of the first firehouses built in the Bronx in 1903.

Bronx borough historian Lloyd Ultan says it is important to landmark buildings in a city that is constantly changing.

"I'm pleased whenever an aspect of the past that is significant is preserved so that people today and in the future can learn from that and understand what that period of history was like and that's the whole purpose of landmarking," Ultan said.

Engine Company 305, Hook & Ladder Company 151 in Forest Hills was also granted landmark status.

Ultan says landmarking a public building does not provide the same protections a privately owned building would receive. He says the city could still choose to make changes to the landmarked buildings without the commission's approval, but the status does inspire preservation.

"So while legally the city can do anything it wants to, morally and ethically it is restrained," Ultan noted.

The designation of the Squad 41 building is no surprise to many longtime Melrose residents. Others in the neighborhood say they might stop and take a longer look at the building.

"It's very, very nice, very important for us," said Melrose Resident Aniello Discala.

"I'm going to keep it in my mind, keep it in my mind, got something great near to me," said another Melrose resident.

There are 20 other firehouses with landmark status throughout the five boroughs.