Ann Arbor Will Install Sculpture at Fire Station 4

A new 24-foot tall public artwork made from fire ladders will debut at the station this October.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Fine Art

Bold vector editorial illustration of a tall sculpture made from interconnected steel fire ladders in a park setting. — Ann Arbor officials announced that artist Christopher Fennell's 24-foot tall ladder sculpture will be installed at the new Fire Station 4 this October. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Ann Arbor will install a new sculpture titled Three Ladder Fire at the city's upcoming net-zero Fire Station 4 in October 2026. The artwork, created by artist Christopher Fennell, stands 24 feet tall and was constructed using decommissioned Ann Arbor Fire Department ladders.

Why it matters

The sculpture serves as a visible centerpiece for the community near Scheffler Park while demonstrating the city's commitment to integrating public art and sustainable design into civic projects. It was funded through the fire station construction budget to provide a thematic aesthetic link to the city's history of fire service.

The sculpture measures 24 feet in height and 8 feet in width, representing a $75,000 investment. It is built entirely from decommissioned fire ladders, grounding the piece in the physical history of the department.

The players

Christopher Fennell

Christopher Fennell is the professional artist selected to design the public sculpture for Ann Arbor.

Ann Arbor Art Center

The Ann Arbor Art Center is a local organization that has managed city public art projects since 2020.

Ann Arbor Fire Department

The Ann Arbor Fire Department provides emergency services and supplied the decommissioned ladders used for the sculpture.

The details

Artist Christopher Fennell designed the piece after a national open call to artists seeking fire-service-themed concepts. A selection committee consisting of City Council members and a representative from the Public Art Commission chose the design for its ability to reuse materials and its visibility from nearby Scheffler Park.

Artist Christopher Fennell will give a talk at the Ann Arbor Art Center on October 14, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Installation of the sculpture is scheduled to begin in mid-October 2026.
The grand opening ceremony for Fire Station 4 will take place on October 30, 2026, at 1 p.m.

Industry Dynamics

The use of salvaged materials reflects a growing trend in public art to emphasize sustainability and historical narrative within city infrastructure. By pairing this project with the construction of a net-zero building, Ann Arbor aligns its cultural investments with its broader environmental goals.

The sculpture is permanently displayed and visible to any resident or visitor passing through the area near Scheffler Park. Interested community members can attend the artist talk at the Art Center to gain deeper insight into the design and construction process.

The takeaway

Integrating functional history into civic art allows cities to transform decommissioned tools into landmark installations. Residents can enhance their local experience by observing how these materials reflect the specific service heritage of their fire department.

What happens next

The public is invited to attend a talk by Christopher Fennell at the Ann Arbor Art Center on October 14, 2026, followed by the grand opening ceremony of Fire Station 4 on October 30, 2026.