Roosevelt Park (Detroit, Michigan)

USA / Michigan / Detroit / Detroit, Michigan / Dalzelle Street, 2200
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Named after President Theodore Roosevelt, the 12 acre park was opened in 1922. The initial idea for the park originated in 1910 after the announcement by the Michigan Central Railroad that it intended to construct a new depot. In accord with the then popular City Beautiful Movement, it was agreed that a grand formal entranceway was needed to provide the proper setting for the new station.

Unfortunately, the land was already developed with worker's cottage and larger homes constructed in the 1860s and 1870s. Over 79 properties were expropriated and 100 structures demolished at a cost of $700,000. Construction on the park didn't commence until 1919 and was completed in 1922.

In recent years the local community has shown interest in revitalizing the park. Plans include a proposed skate park and other improvements. The park is also of interest to Wayne State University archaeologist Tom Killion, who has excavated parts of the property in an effort to discover artifacts from the the late Victorian era.

corktownhistory.blogspot.ca/2012/04/roosevelt-park.html
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Coordinates:   42°19'48"N   83°4'38"W

Comments

  • Soon to be de-faced by that unnecessary Robo-Cop statue.
This article was last modified 13 years ago