The City of Atlantic City and the Atlantic City Fire Department today announced significant progress in preserving historic Fire Station 2, located at Indiana and Baltic Avenues, while unveiling a new community mural adjacent to the building in partnership with the Atlantic City Arts Foundation. The event celebrated the preservation of a century-old public safety landmark and the power of public art to honor the people and history that shape Atlantic City’s neighborhoods.
The exterior preservation project represents a $4.6 Million investment investment in masonry restoration throughout the building, replacement of windows and doors andnew roofing across all three roof levels. The interior work includes a full kitchen renovation, replacement of the structural slab in the equipment bay, installation of a first-floor restroom and new interior finishes.
“Fire Station 2 holds tremendous historical significance for the Great City of Atlantic City, so preserving and beautifying this facility is especially meaningful,” said Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. “This is another example of the Small Administration’s continued commitment to moving the City forward, enhancing our neighborhoods and ensuring our public safety personnel have the tools and resources they need to succeed.”
The event also marked the unveiling of The Door That Opened, a mural by artist Chanelle René celebrating belonging, community and bravery. At its center is a portrait of the late Fire Chief and Drill Commander Marvin E. Beatty, Jr. of Fire Station 2, alongside a young girl looking up at him in admiration. The girl is modeled by Quinn, daughter of assisting artist John Morris. The imagery highlights the importance of Black representation in the Atlantic City Fire Department and the lasting influence of role models on future generations.
The mural also honors the diverse history of firefighters who trained and graduated at Fire Station 2 Drill School, recognizing the contributions of firefighters Albert Mallen #705 and Captain Robert McCarty #847. A bold red line throughout the artwork pays tribute to the sacrifices firefighters make in service to their communities.
“This mural stands as a powerful tribute to our brave firefighters and public servants who risk everything for Atlantic City,” said Michael Atkins, Executive Director of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation. “The Door That Opened honors the extraordinary legacy of leadership and service in our fire department, showing how public art can celebrate our heroes and shared history, ignite community pride, and inspire future generations.”
Located in Atlantic City’s historically African American Northside neighborhood, Fire Station 2 is 104 years old and features a six-story hose tower. Among the first fire stations in Atlantic City to be integrated, it has long served as an important part of the City’s public safety history. The preservation project helps bring the facility up to 21st-century standards while protecting its historic character. To officially welcome the artwork to its new home, the Atlantic City Fire Department used Engine 2 to spray water across the mural during the unveiling.
“Fire Station 2 is home to our official training operations, and with this building more than 100 years old, we want to ensure it stands strong for another century and beyond,” said Atlantic City Fire Department Chief Scott Evans. “Our goal is to transform it into a state-of-the-art facility while preserving its history. Adding this mural not only enhances the station but also beautifies the City and honors the legacy of those who came before us.”
The City has secured preservation grants for the station’s exterior and interior work, including two $750,000 African American Civil Rights Grants and two $750,000 New Jersey Historic Trust grants. The African American Civil Rights Grant program is funded through the Historic Preservation Fund and administered by the National Park Service within the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Rutala Associates secured the grants and the work has advanced with the support of the Atlantic City Historic Preservation Committee. Established by Mayor Small and City Council several years ago, the committee is the first of its kind in Atlantic City. Fire Station 2 is its first project to move forward, with additional preservation efforts now underway.
The mural project received support from the City of Atlantic City through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), Midtown CDC and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), which provided funding through A.R.T. Phase 1 to refurbish, reinstall and administer new mural projects throughout Atlantic City. The mural is the 107th commissioned by the Atlantic City Arts Foundation.
