Plan with Us
The City of Detroit General Services Department has undertaken a comprehensive strategic planning process for Historic Fort Wayne. This ongoing project seeks to improve recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities for residents of Southwest Detroit and the region by revitalizing Historic Fort Wayne.
As part of this planning process, we are considering interventions including expanding park hours and recreational programming, stabilization of vacant buildings, solicitation of support and guidance from public, private, and nonprofit partners, and finally, finding new and compatible uses for presently vacant buildings at Historic Fort Wayne.
For questions about this meeting and the planning process, please contact Park Planner Juliana Fulton at fultonj@detroitmi.gov
The Historic Fort Wayne Strategic Plan is a document that will guide Historic Fort Wayne on its path toward sustainable operation. It was produced by the City of Detroit General Services Department with the generous support of the National Park Foundation and the Kresge Foundation.
For any questions or comments, please email historicfortwayne@detroitmi.gov
February 22, 2021 6pm
Community Meeting: Historic Fort Wayne Strategic Plan
City Master Plan Amendment
Rezoning
Potential Partners
Other Recommendations
June 18, 2020 6:30pm
City Planning Commission Public Hearing
September 26, 2019
Community Meeting: Tour and Feedback Event
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns and operates Historic Fort Wayne?
Historic Fort Wayne is a former federal military facility that was deeded to the City of Detroit in three transfers in 1949, 1971, and 1976. Historic Fort Wayne is presently operated by the Parks and Recreation Division and is open for a variety of both public and private events. Volunteer organizations, including the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition and others, assist with historical events and facility improvements.
What are the objectives of the 2019-2020 strategic planning process?
Historic Fort Wayne is a former federal military facility that was deeded to the City of Detroit in three transfers in 1949, 1971, and 1976. Historic Fort Wayne is presently operated by the Parks and Recreation Division and is open for a variety of both public and private events. Volunteer organizations, including the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition and others, assist with historical events and facility improvements.
The strategic planning process, funded by the National Park Foundation with the support of the Kresge Foundation and led by City of Detroit staff, seeks to address issues of equity, access, and historic preservation by expanding recreational offerings and finding new uses for vacant buildings at Historic Fort Wayne.
Can Historic Fort Wayne be a museum?
Although improved historical interpretation will remain a priority—especially at critical areas such as the star fort and Native American burial mound—it is not feasible for every building to become a museum. This project will seek new, revenue-generating uses to revitalize historic buildings.
City staff said that there are federal deed restrictions that limit what we can do at Historic Fort Wayne. What are the restrictions and can they be changed?
Among other requirements, the deeds require the City of Detroit to maintain the property and use it for historical monument, recreation, and public benefit purposes. The Federal Lands to Parks Program and Historic Surplus Properties Program monitor City of Detroit management of Historic Fort Wayne to ensure compliance with the terms of the deeds.
In general, the deeds protect the property, but also limit our ability to find new uses for historic buildings, and limit our options for generating revenue. The City of Detroit is presently in discussion with two federal agencies—the General Services Administration and the National Park Service—to explore the possibility of amending these terms.
How will buildings be used?
“Adaptive use” means reusing an old building for a different purpose. In the case of Historic Fort Wayne, military buildings would be reused for new uses. The City of Detroit will seek uses compatible in a historic park setting, selected based on community feedback.
Will buildings be demolished?
The objective of this planning process is to find uses for buildings, not to demolish them. If any demolition is proposed in the future, it would require approval (a “notice to proceed”) by the Detroit Historic District Commission after a public hearing. In certain cases, demolition would require additional review by the National Park Service.