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We finally know who cut down the iconic I-96 ‘orange man’ sculpture

Sculpture cut down by township because it was ‘frightening’ children

LYON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – There’s a new twist in the case of a beloved landmark’s disappearance.

The “Man in the City” sculpture, also known as the “orange man on the hill” sculpture, disappeared in early July. At the time artist John Sauve told Local 4 it was the work of vandals.

---> Update: Why the township says it cut down iconic I-96 ‘orange man’ sculpture

After the story aired, Sauve received a letter from Lyon Township attorneys informing him it was the township that tore down the sculpture.

“The township actually sent me a letter saying no you’ve been telling everyone its vandalism, it was us,” Sauve said. “And I was like whoa, thanks for telling me.”

Sauve showed Local 4 a copy of the letter that included reasons for removing the sculpture.

“The township received numerous complaints from residents who found the sculpture inappropriate and frightening to their children,” the letter stated.

The letter also mentioned, “lights were added to the statue, which is located in close proximity to the airport.”

Sauve said he was never contacted about the sculpture’s removal prior to it being torn down.

“They know it’s mine, why not a quick phone call?” Sauve said. “I would have been more than happy to work out a solution. Whatever that solution is it’s better to work with me than to cut it down and not tell me.”

The letter said “the township made contact with individuals to remove the sculpture.” However, the letter does not specify the identity of those individuals contacted.

Sauve is on the clock to decide his next move as the township said he has until Wednesday to remove the 2,000 lbs sculpture. Otherwise, the township will cut it into pieces and remove it.

“It’s disheartening, it’s challenging, it’s expensive,” Sauve said. “There’s a lot of things that I have to do to either make this go back up or go somewhere else.”

Local 4 reached out to Lyon Township Supervisor John Dolan for comment but did not hear back.

Measuring 15 feet tall and weighing 2,000 lbs., the piece of art is left lying on the hill, no longer standing upright. (Copyright 2024 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.)

About the Author
Jacqueline Francis headshot

Jacqueline Francis is an award-winning journalist who joined the WDIV team in September 2022. Prior to Local 4, she reported for the NBC affiliate in West Michigan. When she’s not on the job, Jacqueline enjoys taking advantage of all the wonders Michigan has to offer, from ski trips up north to beach days with her dog, Ace.

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