BELLE ISLE, MI - The gleaming glass dome at the heart of the island park known as the Jewel of Detroit has been fully restored after two years and $10 million.
The Belle Isle Conservatory reopened to the public on Wednesday, Dec. 4 after the second phase of renovations to its 80-foot-tall glass dome - one of the oldest in the nation.
The first phase of renovation in 2019 involved the replacement of each of the central dome's 20 original steel beams.
Since the conservatory closed most recently in 2022, more than 1,500 panes of custom-cut glass have been replaced in the upper 60 feet of the central dome. Other updates included repair to the steel trusses along with abatement of asbestos and lead paint, and new catwalks were installed.
Sourcing the specialized laminated glass for those panels added to the time needed for renovations, according to Amanda Treadwell, urban field planner for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. Construction was originally slated to be complete by May 2024.
Outside the conservatory, new sidewalks were added around the garden and the overlook of Lake Tacoma was repaved. The interior of the dome, entry vestibule and building exterior were also updated with all-new limestone panels.
The conservatory's showroom features a new concrete floor and planters, which are currently filled with colorful cyclamen, poinsettia and tropical trees decorated with holiday ornaments. The space will host a rotating collection and will be available to rent for weddings and events.
The updates to the 120-year-old structure designed by Albert Kahn were done with the intent of preserving the conservatory for decades to come. Updates were also made to safety and accessibility.
"The focus was to stabilize it, not detract from it," Treadwell said.
The Tropical House and Cactus House - each a dedicated wing on either end of the main dome - also saw a replacement of their domed glass ceilings from the gutters up.
In total, the building has seen $12.5 million in renovations in the past five years. Officials said that prior to 2019, the building had not seen a major update since 1950.
The most recent renovations benefited from $7.5 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and $2.5 million in private donations raised by the nonprofit Belle Isle Conservancy.
The Belle Isle Conservatory is open the public Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free with entry to Belle Isle, which is included as part of the DNR's Recreation Passport. Those without a recreation passport can purchase a day pass for $11.