ATLANTIC CITY — Atlantic City officials highlighted progress on the preservation of historic Fire Station 2 and unveiled a nearby mural honoring the department’s firefighters during an Oct. 21, 2026, event at Indiana and Baltic avenues.

The 104-year-old station, located in the city’s historically African American Northside neighborhood, houses the fire department’s official training operations. Among Atlantic City’s first fire stations to be integrated, the building features a six-story hose tower.

According to a prepared statement, the exterior preservation project represents a $4.6 million investment and includes masonry restoration throughout the building, replacement windows and doors, and new roofing across all three roof levels. Interior work includes a full kitchen renovation, replacement of the structural slab in the equipment bay, a first-floor restroom and new interior finishes.

“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 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.”

New fire truck coming to nearby neighborhoods

The firefighters of Station 3, located at Indiana and Grant Avenues, pushed the new Engine 3 into its bay on Feb. 7 as per tradition when a new apparatus is put into service.

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The mural, The Door That Opened, was created by artist Chanelle René in partnership with the Atlantic City Arts Foundation. It centers on a portrait of the late Fire Chief and Drill Commander Marvin E. Beatty Jr., alongside a young girl looking up at him in admiration.

The girl was modeled by Quinn, daughter of assisting artist John Morris. The imagery emphasizes Black representation in the fire department and the influence of role models on future generations.

The artwork also recognizes the diverse history of firefighters who trained and graduated at Fire Station 2 Drill School, including firefighter Albert Mallen, No. 705, and Capt. Robert McCarty, No. 847. A red line running through the mural pays tribute to firefighters’ sacrifices 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.”

During the unveiling, firefighters used Engine 2 to spray water across the mural to welcome the artwork to its new home. It is the foundation’s 107th commissioned mural.

Mayor Marty Small Sr. described the station’s preservation as part of the city’s investment in its neighborhoods and public safety facilities.

“Fire Station 2 holds tremendous historical significance for the Great City of Atlantic City, so preserving and beautifying this facility is especially meaningful,” Small said.

The city has secured $3 million in preservation grants for exterior and interior work: two $750,000 African American Civil Rights Grants and two $750,000 New Jersey Historic Trust grants. The federal civil rights grants are funded through the Historic Preservation Fund and administered by the National Park Service.

Rutala Associates secured the grants, and the project has advanced with support from the Atlantic City Historic Preservation Committee, according to the city. Established by Small and City Council, the committee is the first of its kind in Atlantic City, with Fire Station 2 its first project to move forward.

The mural received support from the city through Community Development Block Grant funding, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Midtown CDC and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The NJEDA’s A.R.T. Phase 1 funding supports mural refurbishment, reinstallation and new mural projects throughout Atlantic City.

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The Unity & Heritage Exhibition is on display until December at The African American Heritage Museum Of Southern New Jersey.