$225,000 public art commission will anchor fire station serving University Hill
The City of Boulder’s Community Vitality Department has released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a public art opportunity at the new Fire Station 2. The city is seeking proposals from experienced artists or artist teams to create a large-scale, three-dimensional outdoor artwork for the new fire station campus. The artwork will be sited at a highly visible intersection on the northwest corner of Baseline Road and Broadway Avenue, serving as a gateway to the city and a landmark for a wide range of community members and visitors. The project budget is approximately $225,000 and is funded through the city’s 1% for Art Policy.
The selection panel seeks to commission an iconic sculptural artwork that functions as a visually striking gateway while honoring the values, history and landscape of Boulder. The selection panel consists of community members and arts professionals. To be eligible for consideration by the selection panel, artists must submit applications by Monday, July 28, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Interested artists should apply through the call posted to CaFÉ. Artists from historically underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
In addition to artist submissions, the city invites public input to help shape the creative direction of the piece. Community members are encouraged to share meaningful words, stories and themes they believe should inspire the artwork. Public feedback will be shared with shortlisted artists during the proposal phase. Input can be submitted through the Boulder Public Art Program webpage.
Located on the corner of Baseline and Broadway, the current Fire Station 2 serves the University of Colorado Boulder and University Hill area, responding to approximately 2,300 emergency calls per year. The station is being redeveloped to sit in the same place to provide modernized emergency services to the community and support the City of Boulder’s goals for sustainability, equity and long-term resilience. Currently in the design phase, the project has an estimated total cost of $25 million and is expected to be completed by 2028.
“Not only are each of our stations a home for firefighters who serve this community, they are also a symbol of safety,” said Boulder Fire-Rescue Chief Michael Calderazzo. “This new station will improve the health and wellness of our firefighters, provide more efficient service to the city, and – with the inclusion of public art – reflect the pride and strength of our community.”
Learn more about the new Fire Station 2 Project by visiting the project webpage.