John F Kennedy Park

On a crisp autumn day in 1960, a young, charismatic senator named John F. Kennedy stood right here at the corner of Michigan and Woodward Avenues. He addressed a crowd, kicking off his presidential campaign. Little did anyone know this spot, then the location of Detroit’s City Hall, would later bear his name. John F Kennedy Park, as we know it, wasn’t always a park. The imposing City Hall building, constructed in 1871, dominated this site for nearly a century. In 1961, the city government moved to the new City-County Building, and the old City Hall was demolished. In its place, a temporary park emerged. This green space served as a quiet respite amidst the bustling city. When President Kennedy was tragically assassinated in 1963, the city decided to honor his memory. The park was redeveloped and renamed Kennedy Square, or John F Kennedy Park. A striking fountain became the centerpiece, surrounded by walkways and benches. The park, dedicated in 1966, became a popular gathering place. People would stroll around the fountain, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Detroit. The surrounding businesses thrived, with names like Kinsel Drugs, United Shirt, and the Bank of the Commonwealth. However, the fountain’s glory was short-lived. By the 1970s, leaks and maintenance issues forced the city to shut it down. The park fell into disrepair. For almost 30 years, John F Kennedy Park remained a shadow of its former self. Then, in 2005, the site underwent another transformation. One Kennedy Square, a modern office building now home to Ernst & Young, was built, changing the landscape once again. While the original John F Kennedy Park may be gone, its memory and the events that transpired here remain a significant part of Detroit’s history.