Detroit's historic Dodge Fountain reborn after decade of dormancy

DETROIT – After a meticulous renovation that’s gone on for months, the Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain in Hart Plaza is back up and running again.

The fountain had sat dormant for nearly a decade before Detroiters were able to enjoy the fountain again on Thursday, June 13.

Designed by Isamu Noguchi -- one of the 20th century’s most important and critically acclaimed sculptors -- Dodge Fountain serves as another example of Detroit’s rich architectural history. Construction began in 1975 and it was completed in 1981. The stainless steel fountain features 300 jets and lights encased in 30 feet about a circular pool. It had fallen into disrepair and the bill to fix it was something Detroit’s financial situation at the time couldn’t even contemplate tackling.

Now, the city is a much better place and its financial situation has vastly improved. With the help of federal funding, the Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain was returned to its full splendor, just as Noguchi intended.