Aurora Fire Rescue Unveiled Station 18 Designs

The new facility will adapt the Aurora Highlands Visitor Center for emergency operations.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Emergency Response

Modern building with metallic siding and large windows, reflecting the architecture of a new fire rescue facility in Aurora.
Aurora Fire Rescue has finalized designs to convert the former Aurora Highlands Visitor Center into Station 18, a modern emergency response facility. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Aurora Fire Rescue has released the official designs for Station 18, a new emergency response facility located at 3930 E-470. The project utilizes adaptive reuse to convert the existing Aurora Highlands Visitor Center into a space designed for modern three-shift operations.

Why it matters

The project intends to improve public safety by situating critical emergency response resources closer to the expanding Aurora Highlands community. It also serves as the first completed development element within the upcoming Aurora Highlands Main Street.

The new firehouse will span 9,600 square feet at 3930 E-470. The facility design includes a glass garage specifically built to showcase a 1955 Seagrave fire engine.

The players

Aurora Fire Rescue

This department provides emergency services, fire suppression, and medical response to the residents of Aurora, Colorado.

Bowman Construction Group

This engineering and construction firm manages large-scale infrastructure and civic development projects.

Davis Partnership Architects

This firm specializes in civic and healthcare architecture, frequently collaborating on municipal facilities.

The details

Developed with services from Bowman Construction Group and Davis Partnership Architects, the station is optimized for firefighter health and emergency response efficiency. The building repurposes the former visitor center structure while integrating specialized spaces for continuous multi-shift use.

Timeline

  1. 1955: The vintage Seagrave fire engine was manufactured.

  2. 2027: Station 18 is expected to open to the public.

Seasonal Patterns

The construction of Station 18 acts as the foundation for the broader Aurora Highlands Main Street development. This project aligns with the city's strategy of prioritizing essential infrastructure before completing larger commercial hubs.

Residents in the Aurora Highlands area will see improved emergency response times once the station becomes operational. The site will provide dedicated support for local operations, ensuring fire and medical services are readily available near the E-470 corridor.

The takeaway

The transformation of the visitor center highlights an efficient trend in municipal development by repurposing existing structures for public safety needs. This facility will serve as a permanent hub for emergency responders while preserving a piece of firefighting history.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest projects in Emergency Response.

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