Hart Plaza's Centerpiece: Detroit's Dodge Fountain Reignites After $6.7 Million Restoration

The City of Detroit has successfully restored the iconic Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain in Hart Plaza, a long-awaited project made possible by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Once a spectacular landmark, the fountain sat dormant for over a decade due to mechanical issues and shifting city priorities. Originally unveiled in 1976, the fountain faced numerous challenges over the years, including faulty water jets and outdated computer systems meant to control its light and water displays. By the late '70s and early '80s, the fountain's frequent malfunctions became a running joke in the city, leading to its eventual shutdown.

Fast forward to today: Hart Plaza has undergone a $9 million renovation, with nearly $7 million dedicated to bringing the Dodge Fountain back to life. The restoration, funded primarily by ARPA, included removing metal panels from the dome, installing new nozzles, waterproofing, and repairing jets, lighting, and plumbing. The project also introduced 184 new lights, 144 misters, 22 down jets, three spray rings, and 72 panels, all contributing to the fountain's renewed splendor.

The fountain, designed by the renowned Isamu Noguchi, was originally funded by a $2 million donation from Anna Thomson Dodge, the widow of Horace E. Dodge, co-founder of the Dodge automobile brand. The Dodge brothers, who grew up helping their father build marine engines, moved to Detroit in 1886 and later opened Dodge Brothers, a machine shop that became integral to the early automotive industry.

This revitalization not only restores a piece of Detroit’s history but also reestablishes the Dodge Fountain as a symbol of the city’s resilience and enduring spirit.

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