Brighton Breaks Ground on New Sculpture Garden

Providing a dedicated space to some of Brighton’s unique artwork, the Brighton Arts and Culture Commission broke ground Monday morning at the site of the future sculpture garden.

Located at what is commonly referred to as the “Cobb-Hall” site on East Main Street, the parcel of land was purchased by the Downtown Development Authority in 1999 as a potential redevelopment and property assembly site, according to a press release. The DDA has tried to develop the site as part of Request for Redevelopment

“As you descend the hill on Main Street, coming into downtown Brighton the first thing you will see is a statement of culture and beauty which is where I believe we are headed with many of our projects,” said Claudia Roblee, City Council Member who chairs the Brighton Arts and Culture Commission. “The collaboration between the DDA, BACC and now the Brighton Garden Club has created the front door of our downtown, welcoming and inviting. Now, instead of just driving by, residents and visitors alike will be able to stop, sit and spend time in and enjoy the sculptures and gardens.”

One of two new sculptures from Israel and Erik Nordin from the Detroit Design Center was installed in August and is a perfect spot for their 18-foot "Life Tree," according to Lauri French, Deputy Director for the City of Brighton DDA/Community Development Department.

“We hope residents and visitors enjoy our "museum without walls" and will take the time to take a tour of the Brighton Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit, and the new sculpture garden in particular, on their next visit to Brighton,” said French.

The BACC Sculpture Garden improvements are being funded by the City of Brighton Downtown Development Authority as part of its overall downtown marketing strategy.