The skyline of Detroit is set for a vibrant makeover as the Detroit Zoo announces a new design for its iconic water tower, a familiar landmark for the interstate traveler and zoo aficionado alike. Stripping away the previous blue and purple motif that crowned the structure for over two decades, the newly unveiled design embraces a modern aesthetic, prominently featuring the zoo's reimagined logo against a deep teal backdrop, as reported by ClickOnDetroit.
Teeming with a variety of animals such as giraffes, penguins, and tigers, the refreshed water tower celebrates the zoo's diverse residents while thrusting the establishment's name into the limelight – a significant shift from its predecessor which held sway since 1998, the design is intended to "spark joy" for years to come, a sentiment echoed by Detroit Zoological Society Executive Director and CEO Hayley Murphy in a statement obtained by The Detroit News.
Robin Hamilton, Chief Experience Officer for the Detroit Zoological Society, further highlighted the design's intent to draw visitors into an adventure by stating to WWJ Newsradio that the redesigned 'Os' in the logo serve as portals, inviting onlookers to envision themselves amid the zoo's wild escapades.
Comprising part of a larger rebranding strategy, the Detroit Zoological Society also revealed updated logos for the Belle Isle Nature Center and the society itself, alongside technological enhancements to their digital footprint which aim to streamline visitor experience online and on-site through a redesigned website and a newly launched mobile app as detailed by ClickOnDetroit.
In an imaginative blend of conservation and consumerism, the zoo's collaboration with Detroit-based designer Rebel Nell to create jewelry out of the old vinyl wrap illustrates an inventive approach to keeping history alive – offering rings, bracelets, and other accessories that incorporate elements of Detroit Zoo's storied past; these items are accessible via the zoo's physical store and Rebel Nell's online shop, a venture that doubles as a symbol of the park's commitment to sustainability and community engagement, and "We know the water tower is an iconic landmark in our community, and many people have a special connection to it," said Kim Waatti, the society's director of marketing, as told to The Detroit News.
With the water tower's new sheath set to be on display for decades, the wrap and the tower's maintenance come with a hefty price tag of $800,000, though primarily funding goes toward essential repairs; the expectation is that this investment will represent a fresh chapter for the zoo while it continues to foster connections among its 1.3 million annual guests and beyond. "We're continuing to make improvements for the Great Apes of Harambee habitat, which will include a new climbing structure," Waatti mentioned the project planning in a statement garnered by The Detroit News.
