Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB: Honoring Legacy and Uniting Community Through the Henry Marsh Plaza Project

Social Impact Framework: Destination Stewardship 

What was the issue you were trying to address?

2023 Henry Marsh Plaza Project (HMPP) serves to honor Henry Marsh and his service to the City of Saginaw. Henry Marsh was one of the first elected black mayors in the United States and the first black mayor of the City of Saginaw.  

The project aimed to reunite the City of Saginaw’s north and south sides, east of the Saginaw River, by establishing a universally accessible urban setting. The HMPP transforms the primary entrance to the City of Saginaw into a multi-use space immediately adjacent to the County's entertainment facility, the Dow Event Center.  

Historically, this area has been foreboding, underutilized, unsafe, and blighted. Graffiti, litter, weeds, and wild overgrowth were common. Parking for the Dow Event Center was limited because guests were uncomfortable walking under the dark I-675 from the adjacent parking lot. 

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What were the stated objectives of this initiative?

The HMPP is open to everyone. Facets of this effort address the importance of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and sustainability. The benefits of this initiative are significant:

From an equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging lens:

• To create a place of honor for one of the first black Mayors elected in the US and the first black Mayor of the City of Saginaw. HMPP culminates with a 1,560 square foot mural, capturing the Honorable Henry Marsh's faith, family, accomplishments, and passions all showcased in a changeable lighted atmosphere.
• To provide an improved impression (specifically the first impression) of the City of Saginaw.  
• To re-unite Saginaw’s north and south sides divided by I-675.  
• To create an inviting walkable space, especially for the residents and visitors within Saginaw’s City Center.  
• To transform this area into a well-lighted, universally accessible, cultural, entertainment, recreational, and welcoming space.  

From a safety lens:

• To provide a well-lighted space with improved safety.  
• To resolve illegal parking within this space.  

From a stewardship and sustainability lens:

• To improve access to fresh water recreational activities, contributing to sustainability through recycling programs, and supporting nature with the addition of a beehive hotel.
• To preserve a critical linking space needed for our trail systems to unite. A trail hub and river access are in development.  
• To provide river edge access to one of our nation’s best walleye fisheries.  

From a community engagement lens:

• To enhance the area and attract visitors off I-675 to delight in the history shared with art, projections, changeable ambient lighting, the tone, and atmosphere created and enjoy activities that occur in this newly established urban setting.  
• To provide a space for art and outdoor exhibits to happen.  

What were the specific metrics you used to measure the success of your efforts?

The Great Lakes Regional CVB measures success through use of parking and walking under I-675. Success is also measured through the approval of Mr. Marsh's family, friends, and colleagues. 

What were the specific outcomes and results of your efforts?

The Henry Marsh Plaza Project served as a solution to many challenges and enhanced the sense of place of Saginaw's City Center.  

This area is heavily used throughout the summer months. We now are renaming the road to Henry Marsh Plaza Drive. We received a grant from the State of Michigan for $1,000,000.00 to build an entire plaza dedicated to Mayor Marsh. New infrastructure, such as sewage lines, water mains, electrical sidewalks, curb and gutter, decorative lights and festival lighting, and curb cuts to accommodate food trucks were all included.  

This effort serves as a required legacy project component in helping us win the bid to host the CHL Memorial Cup Championship. It will be hosted in 2024 at the DOW Event Center.

Finally, the Go Great Foundation and the Henry Marsh Mural Committee announced a partnership with local artist Stephen Hargash, born and raised in our region. Stephen created the original, 1,050 square foot mural below I-675 on the east retaining wall of the underpass on Washington Avenue. Stephen’s mural tells the story of Henry Marsh’s faith, love of his family, highlights his accomplishments, captures his passions, includes a snapshot of the community, and showcases the qualities that make Saginaw unique. This mural is the stepping stone in creating a universally accessible area. 

What other best practices or key lessons can you share?

The Henry Marsh Plaza Project was not easy but made a remarkable difference within the City of Saginaw. It is significant to celebrate Henry Marsh’s legacy and Stephen Hargash’s creativity: recognition incredibly well deserved. 

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