What is it about historic D.C. firehouses that spark culinary ambition? A pair of in-the-works restaurants aim to address this burning question. As Express recently reported, a pre-World War II firehouse in the Bloomingdale neighborhood is slated to become an eatery called EC-12, whose name references the old Engine Company 12 that used to occupy the building. Architects are currently working on building plans, after which developers will be able to apply for a building permit for the planned restaurant, located on North Capitol Street just above Florida Avenue.

According to a D.C. Business Resource Center Bulletin, the building, which dates to 1897, will be transformed into a full-service, sit-down restaurant with cultural and performing arts space on its second floor. XM Satellite Radio has signed on as a marketing partner and will broadcast live music events. EC-12 will also offer outdoor seating with a sidewalk café and rooftop terrace. In addition, the development team, NC Firehouse L.L.C., plans to partner with the D.C. Central Kitchen to form a culinary internship training program, part of the developers’ plan to build community ties.

In a phone interview with DCist, Mike Benson, a consultant for the EC-12 project, said he is happy that the space will be turned into a neighborhood restaurant as opposed to a chain. “No offense to Starbucks,” Benson said, “but they’re not very involved with local people, and by putting a restaurant in the space, there will be local input.” Benson oughta know; the Bloomingdale resident owns the popular neighborhood joints Café St. Ex and Bar Pilar on 14th Street, NW. The firehouse is one of the district’s 29 pre-World War II fire stations. Once converted, EC-12’s menu will be centered on brick oven pizza and sandwiches. No word yet on any flambé dishes.