Healing the Shoreline:
A Construction Update from Ford House
If you’ve visited Ford House lately, you’ve probably noticed something big happening around Ford Cove and Bird Island. And by “big,” we mean impossible to miss — heavy equipment, construction crews, and a landscape in full transformation. It may not be the prettiest phase of our nationally significant Shoreline Restoration Project, but it represents some of the most exciting and essential work we’ve ever undertaken on the estate.
Here’s what’s happening and what you can expect in the months ahead.
Two Teams, One Mission
We currently have two construction teams working in tandem across the property. One team is focused on the shoreline along the historic core — the stretch from the Visitor Center shuttle circle to the Power House. The other is hard at work on Bird Island. Stone, natural materials, and other supplies are being staged at several locations throughout the property, though stone deliveries are now tapering down as the project shifts into its next stages.
Removed concrete and other debris have been carefully managed throughout the process, with the bulk of unsuitable materials hauled off-site on Mondays when we’re closed to the public — helping minimize disruption for visitors. That off-site hauling is also starting to wind down as concrete removal wraps up.
What's Happening Now
Along the historic core shoreline, concrete removal is now complete from the Visitor Center to the Power House. Rough grading and stone placement are ongoing, and the team has begun installing woody habitat along the shoreline — which will provide shelter and spawning areas for native aquatic species. Near the Power House, crews are installing the historic sandy beach, restoring a feature of the original estate landscape.
Clay deliveries for the new berm have completed. Construction of the new berm itself — a key element that will reshape how the shoreline looks and functions — is beginning, weather permitting, with warmer, dry conditions needed to start the earthwork.
On Bird Island, the team has been tackling concrete removal along the lake side while finishing up stone placement and grading on the cove side. The majority of heavy work along the island’s cove shoreline is expected to wrap up next week. Work on the lake side remains limited until ice conditions improve.
What's Coming Next
Now that crews are a few weeks into the project, timelines are beginning to take shape:
- Mid-April: Heavy equipment work along the historic core and on Bird Island is expected to be complete, weather and lake conditions permitting. Construction will then shift focus to the northwest corner of the property.
- Mid-May: Pathways from the Visitor Center to the Power House should be installed. Planting in the historic core is anticipated to begin, with completion targeted for early to mid-June. Contractors should be out of the temporary staging lot, and restoration of the little meadow and other site areas in the historic core should be finished.
- Summer 2026: Construction of the Bird Island boardwalk is anticipated, though specific dates aren’t confirmed yet. We’ll share the schedule as it develops.
- Mid-Fall 2026: Pier construction is anticipated to begin. Planting on Bird Island will also get underway and is expected to take about a month. We plan to reopen Bird Island to visitors once plantings are complete.
- Spring 2027: Planting in the northwest corner will begin and be completed, along with any supplemental plantings throughout the project area.
- Fall 2027: Final plantings, warranty items, and maintenance work will wrap up.
- November 2027: The grant period ends, and the project reaches full completion.
Why Some Areas Are Closed
You’ll notice updated signage around the property reflecting closures related to the Shoreline Restoration Project. Bird Island and sections of the shoreline are off-limits during active construction for both safety and efficiency. We’ve selected our contractors not only for their skill and expertise but for their ability to complete this work as quickly as possible while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Ford House remains open during construction. The house, grounds, Visitor Center, dining, and all scheduled events and tours continue as planned.
The Bigger Picture
We know construction zones aren’t exactly scenic — but if you remember the transformation when we built the new Visitor Center and Administration Building in 2021, you know that at Ford House, things sometimes have to look a little rough before they look remarkable.
This project reflects our deep, long-term commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible stewardship of the Lake St. Clair shoreline. The restored shoreline, improved habitats, new sandy beach, future boardwalk, and new pier taking shape right now are investments that will benefit the estate — and the community — for generations to come.
Thank you for your patience, your enthusiasm, and your continued support as we work through this exciting chapter. We can’t wait to share what comes next.
