(RAHWAY, NJ) -- The City of Rahway has taken the next major step in its transformation of Veterans Memorial Square, officially awarding a contract for the design, fabrication, and installation of a bronze sculpture to Ann Hirsch Sculpture Studio, LLC.

This decision, approved during the October City Council meeting, follows a competitive selection process in which four nationally recognized sculpture studios were interviewed. After careful consideration by the City's selection committee, Ann Hirsch Sculpture Studio, a woman-led, Boston-based firm, was chosen for its exceptional portfolio of narrative and figurative bronze works created for public spaces across the country.

Hirsch's installations can be found in Boston, MA; Sarasota, FL; Grand Rapids, MI; and South Bend, IN, and each piece is known for its deep connection to the communities it represents. A graduate of Columbia University, New York University Graduate School of Arts & Science, and the New York Academy of Art, Hirsch brings both artistic mastery and academic excellence to her work.

The forthcoming sculpture will serve as a tribute to the United States Colored Troops (USCT) who fought in the Civil War; many of whom were later laid to rest in Rahway. The project represents the culmination of extensive planning, community input, and artistic collaboration designed to honor local history through enduring public art.

"This is a defining moment in the evolution of Veterans Memorial Square," said Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe. "Selecting a distinguished artist like Ann Hirsch ensures that the story of the U.S. Colored Troops will be told with the respect, authenticity, and artistry it deserves. Each step in this process—from concept to creation—reflects our City's deep commitment to honoring legacy, uplifting history, and integrating art into civic life."

The Veterans Memorial Square redevelopment is part of Rahway's broader initiative to enhance public spaces across the city, supported through a Union County Capital Project Grant. Councilman Jeremy Mojica played an instrumental role in advancing the project, recognizing the need to restore and reimagine a site that had long been overlooked yet holds deep historical and emotional significance for the community.

"This park is finally getting the recognition it truly deserves," said Councilman Mojica. "Our veterans deserve to be honored, and we owe them lasting gratitude for the sacrifices they made to defend our country and our freedoms. The redevelopment of Veterans Memorial Square is a small but heartfelt gesture from our city—a place we hope will be cherished by those who resonate with its meaning and inspire those who wish to serve."

This milestone follows a clear path of progress over the past several months. In May, the City launched the redevelopment effort for Veterans Memorial Square as part of a broader beautification and historic preservation initiative. By July, the scope expanded to include public art and enhanced engineering design through a Union County Capital Project Grant. In September, Rahway announced that four renowned artists had submitted proposals for the sculpture. Now, after the award of the bronze design contract, the project enters its next phase; bringing a powerful artistic vision to life in honor of the city's veterans and their legacy.