Watch CBS News

Heidelberg Project Creator Says He Plans To Dismantle It

DETROIT (AP) - The creator of an outdoor art installation in Detroit that draws about 200,000 visitors a year says he is dismantling the Heidelberg Project so it can transform.

Tyree Guyton told the Detroit Free Press he is going to change the name into Heidelberg 3.0, which he describes as an "arts-infused community" rather than an installation driven by one man. The 60-year-old Guyton started transforming his decaying, crime-ridden neighborhood into an interactive sculpture park in 1986.

The project survived attempts by Detroit officials to raze it in 1991 and 1999 and a series of arson fires that have destroyed six houses since 2013.

Guyton explained the change by saying he needs to do something he has not done before. Parts of the project will be donated to museums.
(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.