Landscape Architect

08-19-25 | Feature

From Broken to Beautiful

Bringing Back a Historic Detroit Fountain
by Bryan Had, Fountain People, Photo Credit: Fountains by Waterworks

A creation of artist and Landscape Architect Isamu Noguchi, the Horace E. Dodge Fountain was unveiled in 1978 along with its extensive hardscape surroundings at the Phillip A. Hart Plaza in Detroit, soon becoming an important local landmark. Four decades later, time and attrition had left the paving in dire condition and the fountain worn-out to the point that the city ceased operations. Fountains by Water Works was selected to lead the project and complete the hardscape renovation. They brought Fountain People on board to assist with the planning and supply of most of the equipment. Two stainless steel legs support a ring that sits 25 feet above a circular, black granite pool.

Approximately 20,000 pavers (about 11,000 square feet) were initially installed in the encircling plaza. The material is Carnelian granite with a thermal finish. Fortunately, the quarry had retained information on the pavers' type and style and was able to custom-cut more so damaged stones could be discarded. In total, about 1,000 broken pavers were replaced with stone from the original source.

Initially, the fountain contained incandescent light fixtures with clear or colored lenses. For the renovation, LED light fixtures with RGBW diodes were installed, allowing a much wider range of colors. The stainless-steel structure was polished to increase its reflective properties.

The Horace E. Dodge Fountain, located in the heart of Phillip A. Hart Plaza along the Detroit River, has been a significant landmark since its construction in 1978. Designed by Landscape Architect and artist Isamu Noguchi, the fountain became a symbol of modern water feature design and engineering. However, after nearly fifty years of service, the fountain fell into disrepair and had already been out of operation for a decade.

Resurrection
In 2023, recognizing the cultural and aesthetic value of the Dodge Fountain, the Detroit City Council allocated $5.6 million for its restoration, which was no small feat. "There is nothing normal about this fountain," explains Luke Miller of Fountains by Water Works, the company that led the renovation. "This fountain has three vertical turbine pumps - the type used in large ships! The metal structure is comprised of huge stainless-steel panels that are typically used to make airplanes, and it has a 55,000-gallon reservoir tank."

Fountain Design
Noguchi's artistic creation features a massive structure with two legs that support and supply water to a suspended ring roughly 25 feet in diameter and 25 feet tall. Below this ring lies a lower basin enveloped by an eight-foot-tall wall, creating an interactive space where visitors can get up close to the water feature. Encircling the fountain is a decorative hardscaped plaza surfaced with approximately 20,000 Carnelian granite pavers with a thermal finish. This area measures 120 feet in diameter and was sized so that all the splash and mist drain back into the fountain, even in windy conditions. Some jets produce heavy vertical streams of water while others produce fog. The lighting - newly updated from incandescent to LED - consists of fixtures in and on the fountain shining in all directions.

Challenges
Fountains by Water Works was given just over a year to complete the work. They hired Fountain People for design services and to provide most of the equipment package. Miller said this project was like none other they had previously handled. "There were no existing plans for this water feature," he explained. "It was the most intense challenge ... I think Noguchi would have been very pleased by our work and staying true to his original design."

In addition to the fountain itself, Miller's team was, "tasked with pulling up all the pavers, waterproofing the surface, and cleaning the pavers. After removing all 11,000 square feet, we removed 23,000 pounds of lead, which was caked underneath the pavers." In the 1970s, the lead was applied to waterproof the surface. To get rid of the deadly material, a machine was used to carefully peel it off and prevent lead particles from going airborne.

And then there was the issue of finding replacement pavers for the broken ones. "The granite used is quite rare. I actually had to delve into the old job archives from the 1970s and locate an old paper receipt to find all the information on the stone." Having faced these challenges and prevailed over them, Miller and his team are very proud of their dedication to preserving the original landscape architectural design of Noguchi.

The Result
The restoration culminated in a grand reopening on June 13, 2024, celebrated by city officials like Mayor Mike Duggan. The event marked the fountain's return as a Detroit landmark and a testament to the ingenuity of Fountains by Water Works and their subcontractors. It also spoke to the city's dedication to preserving its iconic sites while adapting them for contemporary use, ensuring that they continue to serve as focal points of community engagement and urban beauty for future generations. "Everyone was really happy with the outcome. And after the Dodge Fountain challenge, we are confident we can bring any fountain back to life."

As seen in LASN magazine, August 2025.