fire station 9 memorial

The City of Olathe is seeking artist qualifications for a permanent public art installation at Olathe Fire Station 9, opening in 2026.

The installation will incorporate structural steel recovered from the World Trade Center and honor the sacrifice of firefighters who responded to the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Following the qualifications review, three artists will be shortlisted and paid a stipend to develop concept proposals.

Project Background

Olathe Fire Station 9 will open in 2026, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

The Olathe Fire Department has been gifted structural steel from the World Trade Center. For many years, this steel has been displayed annually around September 11.

This project represents an opportunity to create a permanent and meaningful installation incorporating the steel within the new station.

On September 11, 2001, 343 firefighters lost their lives responding to the attacks on the World Trade Center. The installation should honor their sacrifice while reflecting the traditions, values, and brotherhood of the fire service.

While the installation will be visible to the public, the primary audience will be members of the Olathe Fire Department, serving as a daily reminder of duty, service, and sacrifice.

Due to the project timeline, we recognize the memorial may not be fully fabricated and installed by September 11, 2026. However, the City intends to acknowledge the project during the 2026 9/11 remembrance and may display renderings or design boards of the selected artwork as a preview of the installation.

Key Dates

Shortlist Announced: 6/15/26

Fire Station Opening: July 2026

Finalists Concept Proposals Due: Early August, 2026