When you think of Detroit’s most iconic places, Belle Isle easily tops the list. A one-of-a-kind island park, Belle Isle has been a beacon of recreation, history, and connection for 180 years. From its beautiful landscapes to its treasured attractions, the island has long served as a gathering spot for families, residents and visitors.
As we close the chapter on 2024 and look toward the future, we sat down with Meagan Elliott, President and CEO of the Belle Isle Conservancy, to reflect on the year’s major advancements and explore what exciting things visitors can expect in 2025.
MEAGAN ELLIOTT
For Elliott, this past year has been marked by momentum, energy, and critical progress across the island.
Among the standout achievements, she highlighted four key areas, starting with the much-anticipated reopening of the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, a milestone two years in the making.
“The conservatory reopened just two weeks ago, and it’s been highly anticipated across the city,” Elliott said. “It was a $12.5 million renovation, and its reopening marks a pivotal moment for the island.”
The project focused on building for the future while keeping the historic structure. Improvements include:
- Replacement of 1,500 hand-fitted glass panes
- Repair of sealed trusses and upgrades to the upper and lower catwalks
- New limestone panels, a modernized irrigation system, and a freshly laid floor in the showroom
- Sidewalk repairs, a new roof, and ceiling fans to ensure the space is both beautiful and functional
The conservatory hadn’t received major capital improvements since the 1950s, making this renovation a landmark achievement.
“The goal was to ensure the conservatory’s long-term health, creating a space that will continue to inspire generations to come,” said Elliott.
Beyond the conservatory, Elliott pointed to the continued progress of the Boathouse renovation, a project generating buzz for its potential to revitalize a key piece of the island’s fabric.
ANNA SCRIPPS WHITCOMB CONSERVATORY
Under the Belle Isle Gateway Project, the $30–35 million Boathouse restoration aims to transform the historic structure into a modern-day hub for activity. “This project has excited so many people,” Elliott said. “We’re looking at a proposal that includes a restored marina, several new dining options, and spaces for events while keeping the building’s historic charm at its core.”
Development proposals are still under evaluation for this, and while the timeline remains fluid, Elliott sees the Boathouse as a centerpiece of Belle Isle’s next chapter.
Looking ahead, Elliott highlighted another major project in the works – the creation of a Cultural Campus. This initiative, born from resident feedback, aims to reimagine how visitors experience Belle Isle.
“One of the challenges we face is that people drive to an attraction – whether it’s the Aquarium, the Conservatory, or Kids Row – experience it, and then drive home,” Elliott explained. “The idea is to create an accessible epicenter that makes it easy to drift between spaces and enjoy more than one destination a single visit.”
The Conservancy is currently seeking a landscape design firm to develop a high-level schematic, with plans to enhance walkability and connect key institutional assets. This will then be taken to the public for feedback.
As Belle Isle heads into the new year, Elliott shared that this Cultural Campus will remain a major focus, alongside efforts to modernize amenities and enhance accessibility.
“It’s about honoring the island’s history while providing the modern conveniences visitors expect,” she said.
Projects being considered include improved restrooms, expanded food and beverage options, and resources to help visitors make the most of a full day on the island.
BELLE ISLE BOATHOUSE
The Conservancy is also considering a “listening project” that would allow visitors to share and preserve memories and stories of Belle Isle and create a collective narrative.
“Whenever I give a presentation, and come to the Q&A part, people don’t ask questions—they share their memories. It’s one of the highlights of this job and we want to share this with others,” Elliott said.
Preservation and environmental stewardship continually run in tandem with all the initiatives and projects on the island.
“Every project is an opportunity to explore greener solutions and make Belle Isle a model for environmental stewardship,” she said.
As Belle Isle moves into 2025, its future looks brighter than ever. And if you haven’t visited the island in a while, it’s a great time to rediscover one of Detroit’s greatest assets.
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