Although construction is still a long ways off (and possibly in doubt due to financial difficulties), planning is slowly moving forward on the replacement for our historically protected Fire Station 6. In February we reported that design was scheduled to begin this year, and now Hankblog notes that the city is looking for an artist to develop the mandatory arts component of the project.

Here’s how the project is described in the city’s call for artists:

The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the Fleets and Facilities Department and the Seattle Fire Department, seeks an artist to develop a site-specific art project for Fire Station 6 in the Central District neighborhood. Ground space on the lot at the new Fire Station 6 is limited and will require the selected artist to consider the site’s limitations in the design of their artwork.

The selected artist will work with the community, firefighters and staff to create a site-specific, durable, 

artwork that attaches to the public facing portion of the building and serves to connect the firefighters and the community. The artwork must remain an independent element that could be moved to accommodate future renovations or relocations. The city will ask the selected artist to address the work and spirit of the firefighters, respond to the cultural diversity of the Central District community and develop an artwork that identifies the fire station as a civic facility within the fabric of the surrounding neighborhood. 

The budget for the art project is $90,000, with an application deadline of June 30th.

The historic Art Deco building at 23rd & Yesler will remain, and fire operations will be moved to a new building at MLK & Jackson.

In other trivia, the document linked above notes that Fire Station 6 has the 6th & 7th busiest engine and ladder companies in the city.