Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 10, the renowned Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain in Hart Plaza will embark on its journey to restoration. Spearheading this significant venture, the city’s Construction and Demolition Department has plans to restore the Dodge Fountain by spring 2024.
This effort marks the commencement of the city’s eagerly awaited Hart Plaza renovations. The initiative, buoyed by a $9 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), aims to rejuvenate a pivotal landmark of Detroit.
For those familiar with the intricacies of the restoration process, the undertaking is comprehensive. Over the course of several months, meticulous work will involve disassembling parts of the fountain’s dome, rejuvenating its jets and lighting, followed by careful reassembly. For safety and preservation, fencing has started to encapsulate the area as of Monday, Oct. 9.
The Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain is not just a water feature in the city – it stands as an emblematic centerpiece of Hart Plaza, right in the throbbing heart of downtown Detroit. It’s a testament to the city’s resilience, artistry, and the legacy of its benefactors.
The Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain, a striking 30-foot stainless steel monument, embodies the quintessential design spirit of the 1970s.
With a ring gracefully suspended between two tilted supports and a stark black granite pool beneath, the fountain once showcased a mesmerizing dance of water through 300 jets, cascading in 33 different choreographed patterns. However, the passage of time has dulled its grandeur, rendering its jets and lights dysfunctional. Modern urban design, evolving through the years, now leans towards more green spaces, shade, and natural elements. Detroit’s architectural vision, aligning with this trend, emphasizes the creation of these cooler, greener public spaces. The fountain, currently under bidding for restoration, will remain dormant this year. The last time the fountain ran in all its intended glory remains a mystery. Yet, there’s a glimmer of hope that by next spring, just in time for Detroit’s hosting of the National Football League Draft from April 25-27, the fountain might reclaim its past splendor. As the city prepares to welcome thousands of football enthusiasts, the silent, still fountain stands as a poignant reminder of the city’s historical grandeur, awaiting its revival.
Construction and Demolition Exec. Director LaJuan Counts passionately voiced her sentiments, stating, “This moment has been a long time coming. The prospect of giving this iconic space a much-needed facelift and restoring the fountain to its former glory fills us with immense pride. This fountain is truly one of a kind, and reviving it is no small feat. We are deeply honored that Mayor Duggan has placed his trust in us to undertake this significant responsibility.”
Echoing Counts’ sentiment, Phillip Talbert, President of Total Access Events, expressed his excitement, “Seeing the Dodge Fountain fully restored fills me with anticipation and joy. It’s going to be a magnificent transformation that will breathe new life into this iconic space, and I can’t wait to witness the beauty and vibrancy it will bring to our city.”
The city invites its residents and media to mark their calendars:
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 12 p.m. WHERE: 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI. 48226
As preparations get underway, Detroit gears up to see one of its most cherished landmarks shine with renewed splendor.