The heart of Detroit, Hart Plaza, stands as both a symbol of resilience and a reflection of the city’s ongoing struggle with preservation and progress. At 45 years old, this iconic 14-acre park has witnessed countless festivals, protests, and gatherings, becoming an indelible part of Detroit’s cultural and historical landscape. Yet, despite $9 million in recent upgrades funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Hart Plaza still requires millions more to address its full list of needed repairs. The city remains uncertain about how to secure those additional funds.
Recent improvements focused on the Grand Staircase and the Dodge Fountain, both vital to the park’s structure and aesthetic appeal. However, advocates argue that these upgrades only scratch the surface of what Hart Plaza needs. The park’s addition to the National Register of Historic Places last summer brought national attention to its significance, but it also highlighted the gap between recognition and meaningful restoration.
Among the repairs still needed are renovations to the pyramid stage and the front entrance, areas central to Hart Plaza’s function as a gathering space. Crystal Perkins, director of the city’s General Services Department, acknowledged the city’s efforts to secure further funding but admitted that no concrete plan exists. “We’ve been in talks with the city’s Office of Budget on how to obtain funding for the rest of the projects,” Perkins told BridgeDetroit. “But there’s no plan yet.”
Detroit’s Chief Financial Officer Jay Rising emphasized that any additional updates or repairs would need to be prioritized within the city’s Capital Agenda, with funding dependent on City Council decisions. This uncertainty has left many preservationists and community advocates frustrated, questioning the city’s long-term commitment to maintaining such a vital public space.
Tanya Stephens, a Detroit preservationist and board member of Preservation Detroit, voiced her disappointment over how the federal dollars have been used so far. “That ARPA funding was once-in-a-lifetime money,” Stephens said. She believes the city should have been more strategic and thoughtful in allocating these funds, considering the unique opportunity they presented.
Stephens’ skepticism extends to the city’s ability to prioritize Hart Plaza in future budgets. “I don’t see it happening, because I know how long it took them (the city) to get to that point where they got the (ARPA) money and they still blew it,” she said. “I don’t know how they could raise more money, but I do believe that they could have more informed people overseeing the process for sure.”
The city has previously tapped into resources like the Certified Local Government (CLG) program, which offers Michigan communities exclusive grant funding and technical assistance for historic preservation. Detroit has benefited from this program at least twice, including more than $35,000 for a consultant to prepare Hart Plaza’s historic nomination. Despite these efforts, the path to fully restoring Hart Plaza remains unclear. Designed by renowned architect Isamu Noguchi, Hart Plaza opened in 1979 and quickly became a central hub for Detroit’s cultural life. Its prime location along the Detroit River has made it a destination for major events like the Detroit International Jazz Festival and the Movement electronic music festival. These events draw thousands of visitors each year, underscoring the plaza’s importance not just as a historical site, but as a living, breathing part of the city’s fabric.
Most recently, the plaza underwent a $2.4 million redesign of its Grand Staircase, improving access to the nearby Gateway to Freedom monument and the riverwalk for people with disabilities. This project also included the restoration of the Dodge Fountain, which had been shut down for nearly a decade before reopening last year ahead of the Movement festival.
Perkins noted that the city plans to complete the Grand Staircase renovations before the summer event season, ensuring that Hart Plaza remains accessible and functional for upcoming gatherings. However, the scope of needed repairs extends far beyond these immediate projects. According to a 2022 East Riverfront Assets Study, Hart Plaza is slated to receive a new comfort station pavilion with restrooms, concessions, and visitor information. A final phase of improvements would involve developing a promenade along Woodward Avenue, with estimated costs ranging from $1 million to $10 million. Areas surrounding the Transcending monument and sections adjacent to the main plaza entrance are still in need of repair. Much of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure in the sub-level spaces remains outdated, posing ongoing challenges for maintenance and functionality.
Advocates have also pointed to damage previously done to the Gateway to Freedom, a monument honoring the members of the Underground Railroad who helped enslaved people escape to Canada. This damage highlights the broader issue of preserving not just the physical space of Hart Plaza, but its historical and cultural significance as well. Hart Plaza’s status as a historic landmark brings both opportunities and challenges. The designation acknowledges the plaza’s architectural and cultural importance, but it also places additional responsibilities on the city to ensure its preservation. For many Detroiters, Hart Plaza is more than just a park—it’s a testament to the city’s resilience, a space where history and community converge.
The question now is whether the city will rise to the occasion and secure the necessary funding to complete the plaza’s restoration. The path forward requires not just financial resources, but also a commitment to thoughtful planning and community engagement. As Stephens pointed out, having informed and dedicated individuals overseeing the process is crucial to ensuring that Hart Plaza remains a vibrant and accessible space for future generations. Detroit’s history is rich with stories of perseverance and transformation. Hart Plaza embodies that spirit, standing as a symbol of the city’s past, present, and future. The work to preserve and enhance this iconic space is far from over, but the stakes are clear. For the city to honor its history and invest in its future, Hart Plaza must remain a priority.
The conversation around Hart Plaza’s restoration is a microcosm of broader issues facing Detroit—balancing historical preservation with modern development, ensuring equitable access to public spaces, and securing sustainable funding for community projects. As the city navigates these challenges, the story of Hart Plaza serves as a reminder of what’s at stake and the importance of thoughtful, community-centered decision-making.
Detroiters have long demonstrated their ability to come together in times of need, and the future of Hart Plaza will depend on that same spirit of collaboration and advocacy. The city’s leaders, preservationists, and residents must work together to ensure that this iconic space continues to serve as a gathering place, a cultural hub, and a symbol of Detroit’s enduring resilience. As the city looks ahead, the hope is that Hart Plaza will not only be restored to its former glory but will also be reimagined as a space that reflects the diverse and dynamic community it serves. The work may be challenging, but the potential rewards—a revitalized Hart Plaza that honors its history while embracing the future—are well worth the effort.