Drivers along Greenville Avenue may have noticed the first of several public art pieces to be installed at the city's new
Public Safety Campus.
Once done, the city's $80 million Public Safety Campus will house Richardson's police department as well as fire department administration and some staff. Each department's building will feature a piece of public art, as mandated by the city's Public Arts Master Plan.
"Insignia Lattice" is the fire department's piece. It covers the main entrance of the new Fire Station No. 1 and is comprised of a cutout, red metal screen that incorporates the Maltese cross, a historic symbol of firefighting, as well as the shape of the city limits. Lighting can cause the "Insignia Lattice" to look different at various points throughout the day, according to the city.
Fire department officials were involved in selecting the piece, Chief Curtis Poovey said. Several concepts were proposed, but it was eventually determined that the ideal piece would be attached to the building and include a widely recognized symbol.
The large Maltese cross in the center is meant to signify Fire Station No. 1, and the small Maltese crosses that spin out from the center are supposed to represent firefighters reaching out across the community to provide service.
"I'm very happy with it," Poovey said. "It looks really good and provides shade for the lobby."
The piece was paid for by the city's Percent for Art Fund, which funnels a portion of bond revenue toward public art.
The fire portion of the campus is expected to open later this summer. The entire three-building campus is scheduled for completion in 2020.