Michigan DNR accepting proposals for rehabilitation of historic, but decaying Belle Isle boathouse

DETROIT (WWJ) -- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is now accepting proposals on how they can save and potentially rehabilitate the historic, but deteriorating Belle Isle Boathouse overlooking the Detroit River.

The DNR said they are continuing to review options on the future of the boathouse in Belle Isle Park, which is owned by the City of Detroit, but falls under state oversight with the DNR.

The 40,000-square-foot Belle Isle Boathouse was declared structurally unsound in August of 2022 due to significant deterioration, including a collapsed floor, a caved-in roof, peeling exterior stucco, deteriorated steel and concrete structural members, and other structural needs.

"The boat house... that is historically the Detroit Boat house built in 1902, has been falling apart for decades and it looks a lot worse on the inside than it does on the outside, trust me," WWJ's Mike Campbell reported.

For over a year, officials have wrestled back and forth over its fate -- should the historic building be repaired? Or should it be demolished?

The public was invited to submit their thoughts over the fate of the boathouse, with a webpage -- including a question-and-comment form -- launched to help residents learn about the various options and associated costs for potential plans.

A summary of those comments and answers were posted online in January

"Due to limited available funds, the DNR has to make the tough choice of investing in a portion of the necessary structural repairs with no lasting fix or demolishing and reimagining the space," said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. "We are open to partnering with the private sector to rehabilitate the boathouse; however, no viable parties have yet come forward."

The DNR is now accepting letters of intent from those interested in providing viable proposals for rehabilitation. The proposals should incorporate "significant public recreation elements and align with the park's mission and purpose," the DNR added.

Applicants who submit a letter of intent and then are selected by the DNR can then submit a formal proposal.

The deadline to submit letters of intent is 3 p.m. Friday, March 29 while
invited formal proposals are due by 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 31.

A link to the project webpage can be found at Michigan.gov/BelleIsle.