The story of these hauntingly beautiful reflecting pools at Detroit’s Wayne State University is decades in the making.
Back in 1950s, the university commissioned architect Minoru Yamasaki, later known for his work on the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers, to design four buildings for the campus. According to Yamasaki’s proposal, found in the Walter P. Reuther Library, his plan was to create “an island of urban delight” — a design that deliberately counteracts the look of more traditional college campuses.
The first phase of his urban dream was the creation of reflecting pools adjacent to the McGregor Memorial Conference Center. Designed to promote peace and tranquility, the project was completed in 1958 and enjoyed by students and faculty until the late ’90s, when a damaged foundation required the reflecting pools to be drained.
For 10 years, the pools sat empty, reflecting nothing but a general air of neglect and decline.
Until now.
Thanks to $1.8 million in new funds, the elegant building has been returned to Yamasaki’s original vision with the restoration of the outdoor reflecting pool and sculpture. Significant repairs were made to the foundation; plumbing and mechanics were renovated and a new lighting system was implemented for nighttime enjoyment.
Early this summer, a rededication ceremony of what many regard as one of Detroit’s finest buildings marked a new life for the reflecting pools and included an appearance by Yamasaki himself.
