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The Heidelberg Project: Bringing controversy & junk art to decaying Detroit

David Goran

The story of Detroit’s Heidelberg Project is part of a tradition of artists transforming portions of blighted neighborhoods through site-specific art. It is an outdoor art project in Detroit, Michigan created in 1986 by artist Tyree Guyton. Guyton started the Project in 1986 in the Heidelberg Street Neighborhood where he grew up. It started as a project with his grandfather, Sam Mackey, and continued for decades. The project gets its name from Heidelberg Street, which serves as its axis between Ellory and Mt Elliott on Detroit’s east side.

In creating his project, Guyton assembled discarded everyday objects and affixed them to houses, cars, and trees.
In creating his project, Guyton assembled discarded everyday objects and affixed them to houses, cars, and trees. Source

 

Tyree Guyton worked on the Heidelberg Project daily with the children on the block. Source
Tyree Guyton worked on the project daily with the children on the block. Source

It is in part a political protest, as Tyree Guyton’s childhood neighborhood began to deteriorate after the 1967 riots. Guyton described coming back to Heidelberg Street after serving in the Army. Guyton and director Jenenne Whitfield gave lectures and workshops on the project around the country and the main goal was to develop the Heidelberg Project into the city’s first indoor and outdoor museum.

The Baby Doll House; Fun House.
The Baby Doll House; Fun House. Source

 

Cash Register.
Vintage cash Register. Source

Guyton has covered a two-block area with hundreds of discarded items left by former residents: dolls, record albums, rusty bicycles, clocks and car hoods. The pothole-filled streets are painted with polka dots. The trees are filled with items such as shoes hanging from their laces.

Guyton has covered a two-block area with hundreds of discarded items left by former residents.
Guyton has covered a two-block area with hundreds of discarded items left by former residents. Source
His improvisational artwork became a way of life, as he slowly won over residents of the neighborhood, visitors and community members with his art.
His improvisational artwork became a way of life, as he slowly won over residents of the neighborhood, visitors and community members with his art. Source

Each of the houses that Guyton transformed on Heidelberg Street had a theme: the New White House; Number House; Obstruction of Justice House; House of Soul; War House; The Baby Doll House; and Fun House, among others.

Obstruction of Justice House.
Obstruction of Justice House. Source

 

The Project has been recognized locally, nationally, and internationally by art enthusiasts and academic institutions.
The Project has been recognized locally, nationally, and internationally by art enthusiasts and academic institutions. Source

On two occasions, the Heidelberg Project faced complete destruction by the City of Detroit on the basis of the barriers to urban planning it represented. In November 1991, under Mayor Coleman Young, the Heidelberg Project’s “The Baby Doll House”, “Fun House” and “Truck Stop” were completely demolished. Under Mayor Dennis Archer, a second demolition of the Heidelberg Project was ordered on February 4, 1999, that ended in the destruction of the houses Guyton termed “Your World”, “Happy Feet” and “The Canfield House”. Even with the damage, the site is still very much active and the Heidelberg Project’s goal continues to be to preserve the site and its legacy for future generations.

David Goran

David Goran is one of the authors writing for The Vintage News