The Dodge Fountain in Hart Plaza is long overdue for a restoration, and it will be ready soon. The City Council approved $5.8 million in American Rescue Plan Funds for the project this week, as reported by the Detroit News (paywalled).
The fountain, designed by Isamu Noguchi, was completed in 1976. But it hasn't worked a lot in that time. Hart Plaza hosts numerous festivals through the summer, and many visitors don't even realize the circular metal structure is a fountain.
Work started on the project this fall. It involves disassembling the fountain and fixing many internal mechanisms, lighting, and plumbing.
The city is preparing for tens of thousands of people to visit Detroit in April for the NFL Draft, and they plan to have work completed on the fountain by then.
Additional updates to Hart Plaza will take place after the work on the fountain is complete.
