DEARBORN'S SPRINGWELLS PARK NEIGHBORHOOD INCLUDED IN NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

September 15, 2015 -– Dearborn, MI -– Dearborn’s Historic Springwells Park neighborhood has become the first neighborhood in Dearborn to be included in the National Register of Historic Places. While the criteria for inclusion are difficult, the Springwells Park neighborhood’s active neighborhood association was able to demonstrate a list of the subdivision’s unique attributes, including:

· The district is significant in community planning as an example of a subdivision designed in consultation with the FHA to meet the criteria outlined in the 1936 “Planning Neighborhoods for Small Houses.”

· The district is significant for its association with the Ford family as the neighborhood was subdivided and developed by the Ford Foundation, which was established by Henry and Edsel Ford.

· The neighborhood is distinguished by its curvilinear streets that follow the gently sloping terrain, numerous cul-de-sacs, mature trees throughout, and interior parks in the center of the blocks. The seven parks total almost nine and a half acres of land and each is slightly different.

· The buildings in the district include a shopping center, townhouses, terrace apartment houses, duplexes, and single-family houses all having Colonial Revival design elements, similar exterior materials, and a maximum height of two stories.

· Each individual house design is unique. Although they all comply with the strict guidelines of setbacks and restrictions, they all contribute to the positive effect of the curving streets and colonial, early American design.

· The deed restrictions have been in continuous enforcement since 1939, and are the major reason that the neighborhood has retained its character.

“Springwells Park is a gem in the City of Dearborn. This designation recognizes the special character of this historic district and bolsters the reputation and value of the neighborhood and the surrounding area,” said Dearborn Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. in announcing the historic designation. A Historic District unveiling ceremony and reception will be held Saturday, October 3rd at 3 PM at the corner of Eastham and Rotunda in Dearborn.

About The National Register

The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the United States federal government‘s official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation. Administered by the National Park Service (NPS), the NRHP’s goals are to help property owners and interest groups, such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation, coordinate, identify, and protect historic sites in the United States. Learn more at nps.gov/nr.

About The Springwells Park Association

The Springwells Park Association, Inc., is a non-profit, non-political organization, incorporated in 1948 for and by the residents to encourage neighborliness and pride of living in this community, among both home owners and renters. It is a member of the Dearborn Federation of Neighborhood Associations. Together with the Association’s obligation to enforce restrictions within the subdivision, as stipulated by the Ford Foundation, the Association provides a strong and effective voice in community affairs. The elected officers, committees, and area representatives devote considerable time promoting the interest and welfare of the residents and property owners. Learn more at more at springwellspark.org.

Company Contact:

Cindy Polakowski, SPA President

cpolakowski@gmail.com | 313.982.1982