For generations, Hart Plaza has been a long-time city riverfront destination and venue for summer festivals, concerts and special events. The 14-acre plaza, which is named for the late U.S. Senator Philip Hart and is located immediately south of the intersection of Woodward and Jefferson Avenues, opened in 1975 and has a capacity of 40,000 people. At the center of the plaza is the famed Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain, designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1978.
It all starts here...
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Inc. was formed as a 501 (c) (3) with the mission of developing access on the Detroit International Riverfront. The entire vision is 5 ½ miles of Riverfront property, from the Ambassador Bridge to Gabriel Richard Park, just east of the Belle Isle Bridge, and will include the construction of a continuous RiverWalk along with plazas, pavilions and green spaces.
The Conservancy is responsible for the improvement, operations, maintenance and programming of the Detroit International Riverfront in perpetuity.
Project Timeline
Jun 1, 2003 - Jun 1, 2004
This beloved City of Detroit park borders the Belle Isle Bridge to the east and offers spectacular views of Belle Isle. The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy has enhanced the three-acre park with a plaza and pavilion as well as fountains, fishing outlooks, butterfly gardens and a labyrinth. Located at 7130 E. Jefferson, Gabriel Richard Park serves as the easternmost point for the RiverWalk.
Mar 30, 2022 -
Crews are currently on site at the Downtown Detroit Authority (DDA) property west of Riverfront Towers. As they work on completing the reinforced seawall, the Conservancy is finalizing plans to begin extending the Riverwalk along that stretch of waterfront. This spring, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Conservancy looks forward to beginning work on the Riverwalk, which will include a spacious concrete plaza with tiered seating, three beautiful rain gardens, the familiar marine railing, lights, security cameras and more.