A historic firehouse in Port Chester was demolished Saturday leaving historians to wonder why the landmark building couldn?t be saved.

The old firehouse was located on Main Street and was built in 1888. The building was used as a village hall and police department before it was eventually turned into a firehouse. It was the second oldest fire department in the county. The building was deemed unsafe, however, many historians are upset it was demolished.

Goldie Solomon, of the Port Chester Historical Society, says her organization never wanted the firehouse to come down. She says the developer, GNS Contracting, took over the property in 1999 and promised to restore it.

?It should be a fire museum honoring the seven volunteer fire departments. I never dreamed it was going to be torn down,? said Solomon.

Many are wondering how a building with landmark status was demolished. Port Chester Mayor Dennis Pilla says landmark buildings in New York City cannot be demolished, but outside New York City that historical status does not protect a building. Pilla and others say they feel they were misled and never thought that piece of history would be gone forever.