Old ladders twist into sculpted flame for public art at new Ann Arbor fire station
Ann Arbor’s new Fire Station 4 will be crowned by Three Ladder Fire, a striking 24‑foot‑tall sculpture that twists retired fire‑department ladders into the suggestion of a flame. Built from decommissioned ladders, the piece stands eight feet wide and is positioned to be seen from the neighboring Scheffler Park, turning a functional object into a public‑art landmark.
Alabama artist Christopher Fennell was chosen after a national call for fire‑service‑themed works. Known for converting discarded materials into structural skeletons, Fennell’s approach aligns with the station’s status as Michigan’s first net‑zero firehouse. The project was coordinated with the Ann Arbor Art Center, which has helped shape dozens of civic artworks since 2020, reinforcing the city’s commitment to sustainability and community‑focused design.
Installation is slated for mid‑October, just ahead of the station’s grand opening on Oct. 30. Fennell will also present a talk at the Art Center on Oct. 14, offering insight into his process of giving new life to objects once deemed waste.