Artist renderings courtesy of Scottsdale Public Art
A unanimous Scottsdale City Council vote on April 16 approved the allocation of $11.1 million for a state-of-the-art fire station, Fire Station 612, near Hayden Road and Loop 101. This move is a key part of a strategy to improve emergency response times in an area of North Scottsdale that’s experienced rapid residential and commercial growth.
The funding is part of a bond package approved by voters in 2019 which earmarked money for the renovation and construction of several fire stations. Although the project’s cost has edged slightly above the initially projected $10.5 million, the overrun was offset by a transfer from a fund allocated for updating emergency response equipment.
The fire station, to be sited at 18455 N. Hayden Rd., stands on land donated by Axon as part of a development agreement following their purchase of former state land. Addressing earlier concerns from the Stonebrook II community about the potential for the building to loom over homes, the single-story structure’s design ensures a harmonious fit with its surroundings.
According to the project details, Fire Station No. 612 will encompass a 13,819 square-foot new building, featuring 12 dorm rooms and three apparatus bays, to accommodate the growing needs of the fire department. The architectural services contract, awarded on August 24, 2021, contributed to a final estimated cost of around $11.8 million for the project.
This strategic placement of the new facility is in response to the fire department’s goal of achieving a four-minute response time, an objective that has been challenged by the recent surge in development within the region. The station’s location was chosen to place firefighters closer to the geographic center of the area they serve, providing faster and more efficient service to the community.
In addition to the functional role of Fire Station 612, Scottsdale Public Art is adding a creative touch. In collaboration with Maria Salenger of Jones Studio, the station will feature exterior art panels with cut-out patterns forming half of the Maltese Cross, symbolizing the Scottsdale Fire Department’s badge. This design, incorporating hand-drawn elements of native plants, allows the sunlight to cast dynamic images of the badge throughout the day and year, adding a unique visual element to the station.
Despite some projects from the bond package exceeding their budgets — most notably the fire and police training center, which soared from an advertised $4.2 million to over $20 million — Fire Station 612 reflects careful planning and budgeting. No public comments were made against the project at the recent council meeting, suggesting a community alignment with the goals and execution of this essential public safety investment.
