Location
Detroit, MI
Original Construction
1879, 1900-1930
Completion Date
1996
National Register of Historic Places

Originally conceived by noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead in 1882, 985-acre Belle Isle was developed as a delightful combination of roadways, structures, and monuments in a bucolic setting. Today, much of Olmstead’s original concept survives, combined with more classical elements added in the 20th century, providing a popular summer setting for Detroiters seeking refuge from city heat.

SmithGroup (historic preservation team consisting of Lorri Sipes and Greg Jones) served as historic preservation consultants to Hamilton Anderson Associates, in the development of a major master plan for the restoration of the park and its structures, as well as the adaptive reuse of its structures. Services consisted of a survey of 122 structures to evaluate existing conditions, appropriateness of use, and recommendations for reuse/repair without compromising their historic character.

The preservation team worked closely with planners and financial analysts to assist in developing a long-range master plan to guide the restoration of the park. Included were concepts for historically sensitive adaptive reuse of major buildings to accommodate modern urban park needs.