Grand Opening of Fire Station #12

The Richmond Fire Department is proud to announce the grand opening of the newly constructed Fire Station #12, the City’s oldest operating station, now reimagined for the future. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., located at 2223 West Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23220.

This project marks a significant milestone in public safety and community integration, with a state-of-the-art facility that blends function with artistry and honors the station’s rich history. The redevelopment involved the complete demolition of the previous structure and construction of a modern, highly functional fire station on the same historic site. Last year, Fire Station #12 received the 2024 Honor Award at the Fire Industry Education and Resource Organization’s annual Fire Station Design Awards Program.

In addition to its functional upgrades, Fire Station 12 now serves as a cultural landmark featuring public art made possible through the City’s Public Art Commission (PAC). Designed by A Gang of Three + Sylvio Lynch, the public art includes two bold components that work in harmony with the architecture and history of the site—an iconic red ladder sculpture hanging in the opening of the two-story atrium and black and white images installed in the windows.

The images include portraits of Barbara Hicks, who served at Fire Station #12 and was Richmond’s first female firefighter, and Ronald Lewis, Richmond’s first African American Fire Chief. The art installations reflect the deep heritage of the fire department and the community it serves.

“This new station represents who we are and what we stand for,” said Richmond’s Interim Fire Chief, Jeffery Segal. “It’s a space that supports our firefighters while deepening our connection to the Richmond community. Bringing together history, art, and public safety in this way makes it all the more special.”

The Richmond Fire Department invites the public to join in this special occasion as we honor the legacy of Station 12 and look ahead to its future in service.