HIBBING, Minn.—The City of Hibbing has officially broken ground on a new $38 million Public Safety Center, a landmark project that will unite the city’s fire and police departments under one roof for the first time.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held October 29, 2025, drew city leaders, first responders, and community members eager to witness the start of a facility designed to transform public safety in the Iron Range city.
The 63,000-square-foot building will rise on the site of the former Central Range Public Works Facility at 1425 East 23rd Street. Designed by Brunton Architects & Engineers in collaboration with the City, the facility reflects Hibbing’s community values and local identity. Its exterior will feature architectural precast panels with brick detailing that echo the city’s historic architecture, while steel accents pay tribute to Hibbing’s mining heritage — evoking the form and reach of a mining crane as a symbolic connection to the community.
Inside, the center will provide modern, purpose-built spaces to enhance efficiency and collaboration between departments. Plans include dedicated administrative and training areas, a shared fitness center, and a secure sally port with holding cells. For the fire department, the design incorporates four apparatus bays, day rooms, bunk rooms, and extensive storage to support rapid response and long-term readiness.
Mayor Peter Hyduke emphasized the importance of the project, and—by housing police and fire together—officials expect improved communication and faster coordination during emergencies.
Funding for the project comes from multiple sources: $10 million in state bonding, a $1.5 million grant from Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, and local support through a sales tax referendum approved by Hibbing voters in 2024. Construction is being led by Adolfson & Peterson Construction, with engineering services provided by Widseth.
Brunton Architects expressed pride in their role, highlighting the facility’s blend of functionality and symbolism. The Hibbing Public Safety Center is slated for completion in fall 2026, marking a new chapter in the city’s investment in public safety infrastructure. Once finished, it will stand as both a modern hub for emergency services and a lasting tribute to the community it serves.
