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.
Image Gallery
Nov 11, 2013 -
As part of the ongoing evolution of the east riverfront, parcels east and west of Chene Park will be enhanced during the next phase of construction in 2014.
To the west, the former Watermark property will feature a colored concrete walkway from Atwater Street to the riverfront, along with dynamic landscaping, benches, bike racks and lighting. The former Holcim property to the east will feature benches, recycling containers and lighting, along with an inviting circular concrete entrance off of Atwater Street, connecting to a colored walkway that leads visitors to the riverfront. Other amenities include concrete planters, a retaining wall made of decorative stone and a concrete foundation that will support a new large-scale sculpture along the shoreline.
Partial demolition and site work at these two parcels is anticipated for spring 2014, with construction complete by summer 2014. Completion of these two parcels will be an important step toward the completion of the east riverfront’s 3.5-mile footprint and will serve as a welcome enhancement for regular users of the RiverWalk.
