“The First City Hall and Fire Station” (1998)
Muralist: Gary Kirby
Location: 110 W. 5th Street at Avenue B
In 1889, Sterling opened its first City Hall, creating one building that brought together many of the services a growing town depended on. Police headquarters, firemen’s quarters, the public library, city offices, and even horse stables for the fire department all shared the same structure. The fire alarm bell in the tower stood watch above it all.
This mural tells the story of a time when public life was centered in one place. It captures more than a building — it reflects how Sterling organized itself, protected its citizens, and invested in civic life as the city continued to grow.
