Aurora Fire Rescue unveils designs for new Station 18, marking major milestone for eastern corridor
Aurora Fire Rescue (AFR) unveiled the designs for its future Station 18, marking a significant milestone in the city’s plans to bring a new firehouse to Aurora’s rapidly growing eastern corridor.
Station 18 is anticipated to open in 2027 and will be created through the adaptive reuse of the existing Aurora Highlands Visitor Center at 3930 E-470. Once complete, the facility will accommodate a full fire company, fire apparatus and equipment.
“This is an exciting milestone for Aurora Fire Rescue and for the residents and businesses who are helping shape the future of our eastern corridor,” said Aurora Fire Chief Alec Oughton. “Station 18 will put firefighters and emergency response resources closer to a growing community while creating a modern, purpose-built facility that will serve Aurora for many years to come.”
The new, 9,600-square-foot firehouse will also become the first completed element of the anticipated Aurora Highlands Main Street, a mixed-use centerpiece planned for The Aurora Highlands. Its prominent location will give the station a highly visible role within the emerging community.
"From the beginning, our vision for The Aurora Highlands has been to create a community where families have access to the services, infrastructure and resources they need to thrive,” said Carla Ferreira, CEO, The Aurora Highlands, “Station 18 has been part of that vision from day one. As Aurora continues to grow, investing in public safety is essential, and we're proud to partner with the city of Aurora to help bring this important resource to residents today and for generations to come."
The Station 18 design incorporates features intended to support rapid emergency response, firefighter health and wellness, and the operational needs of a three-shift fire company.
Key features include:
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Three drive-through apparatus bays
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State-of-the-art fitness room
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Three firefighter dormitories and two shared restrooms
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Officer dormitories with a private en-suite bathroom
Additionally, a high-visibility glass garage enclosure will showcase AFR’s vintage 1955 Seagrave fire engine, owned by the Aurora Firefighters Local 1290 and affectionately known as “Big John.” Originally assigned to AFR Station 1, Big John later served as the primary engine for Stations 4 and 5 when those firehouses opened.
Construction and renovation planning will continue as the project advances toward its anticipated 2027 opening. Engineering and architecture is provided by Bowman Construction Group and Davis Partnership Architects.