Restoration of the historic Belle Isle Boathouse is progressing, as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has selected a proposal after years of debate on preserving the structure.
The chosen proposal is a $30 million-$35 million public-private restoration plan called the Belle Isle Gateway project. It aims to turn the boathouse into a year-round community hub with new amenities to boost both land- and water-based activities — with a new public marina, several new dining options, an event space and more.
David Carleton, the lead developer of the project and principal of the selected Detroit-based company, Stuart Pitman Inc., called the proposal “a working document” that was put together in the span of eight weeks due to a state deadline…