Ann Arbor Fire Department decommissioned ladders will transform into art for new Fire Station No. 4
The City of Ann Arbor is announcing the upcoming addition of “Three Ladder Fire,” a public art installation at new Fire Station No. 4, 2415 Huron Parkway. The 24-foot tall, 8-foot wide sculpture is built with decommissioned ladders from the Ann Arbor Fire Department. The artwork was funded through the Fire Station No. 4 construction budget as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to integrating public art into civic projects.
The Ann Arbor Fire Department partnered with the Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC) through their Art in Public (AiP) program as a key collaborator to guide the process and help bring this project to fruition. Since 2020, the AiP initiative, in partnership with both private and public entities, has been the catalyst for the creation of more than 40 projects, transforming the cityscape with vibrant murals, sculptures and creative alleyway installations in Washtenaw County.
For the fire station sculpture, a 2025 national open call for artists emphasized a desire for the artwork to reflect a fire service theme. The selection committee, including City Council Wards 2 and 3 Council members and a Public Art Commission representative, ultimately selected the final design by artist Christopher Fennell because it would be visible from adjacent Scheffler Park and re-use materials, which complements the fire station’s status as the first net-zero fire station in Michigan.
Christopher Fennell’s creative practice focuses on transforming discarded and found objects into large-scale public artworks. The materials he chooses have been cast out or devalued by society, and his selections are guided by the specific message or impact he wants each piece to convey. Through his work, a demolished barn transforms into a wave, broken bicycles reshape into a tornado and, in the case of Fire Station No. 4, decommissioned ladders twist into a sculpted flame.
"The use of retired ladders that once served the Ann Arbor Fire Department is a tremendous aspect of this project,” said Ann Arbor Fire Department Chief Mike Kennedy. “The new fire station reflects the city’s commitment to both public safety and sustainability, and this sculpture is a fitting tribute to both.”
Installation is scheduled to begin mid-October, ahead of the official grand opening ceremony for Fire Station No. 4 Oct. 30 at 1 p.m.
In conjunction with the new installation, Christopher Fennell will present an artist talk exploring his broader public art practice and share insights into the fabrication of “Three Ladder Fire” at the A2AC Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. For event details and updates, follow the A2AC.
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Media Contacts:
Mike Kennedy, City of Ann Arbor Fire Chief, mkennedy@a2gov.org
Hannah Kirkpatrick, The A2AC Art in Public Director, artinpublic@annarborartcenter.org