hibbing public safety facility | hibbing, mn

The City of Hibbing’s existing fire and police departments were operating from outdated facilities that no longer met modern safety or operational standards. To address these challenges, Brunton conducted a facility deficiency review, completed a space needs assessment, and evaluated multiple sites for a new joint-use public safety facility.

 new 63,000-square-foot Public Safety Facility is currently being constructed on the site of the existing Public Works building. It will be physically connected to the remaining structure via a three-hour rated fire wall, located along a newly established property line. The facility is designed to co-locate both the fire and police departments, with dedicated administrative spaces, training rooms, a shared fitness area, a secure sally port and holding cells, and indoor squad vehicle parking. The fire department will occupy 14 apparatus bays, as well as day rooms, bunk rooms, and extensive storage areas to support operations.

A key design goal was to create a facility that reflects the community’s values and identity. The exterior features architectural precast panels with brick detailing to echo the character of Hibbing’s historic City Hall and high school buildings, while integrating contemporary design lines. Steel accents throughout the façade reference the city’s mining heritage, with elements designed to evoke the form and reach of a mining crane, extending a symbolic connection between the facility and the broader community.