Robert “Bob” Gregory, founding president of the Detroit 300 Conservancy who was instrumental in the design of Campus Martius Park and other downtown urban squares, passed away on July 6. A longtime director at General Motors Co. in Detroit, Gregory was 72 years old.
Gregory, a resident of Grosse Pointe Park who was the senior consultant for strategy and public spaces at the Downtown Detroit Partnership, died from a heart attack while sailing on his boat. In addition to his passion for sailing, Gregory was fond of showing off all the amenities of Campus Martius Park, including the operations of the central fountain.
Periodically, he would take visitors to the lower level of the park, where the fountain mechanics are housed. With the turn of a few dials, he could lower or raise the height of the fountain. On calm days, the fountain could be made to shoot water bursts as high as 80 feet in the air.
“Bob’s impact reached far beyond the confines of our organization and touched communities across the country,” says Eric B. Larson, CEO of the Detroit Downtown Partnership. “His expertise in placemaking and urban strategy was widely recognized and felt nationwide. Bob’s visionary leadership and innovative strategies have left an indelible mark on the field, transforming how we think about creating vibrant and livable city spaces.
“His contributions to the Downtown Detroit Partnership and the city itself were profound, shaping the landscape and revitalizing the community. Among his many achievements, Bob played a pivotal role in the creation of iconic landmarks such as Campus Martius Park and Beacon Park, forever altering the urban fabric of Detroit.”
Gregory also had a hand in reshaping other urban parks in downtown Detroit, including Cadillac Square, Grand Circus Park, and Capitol Park. He was a board member of the Detroit Parks Coalition, Grand Circus Park Conservancy, Midtown Development Inc., and an advisory board member for Invest Detroit.
A graduate of Michigan State University James Madison College, as well as completing executive management training at Duke University — The Fuqua School of Business and city/urban, community, and regional planning at MSU, Gregory worked for General Motors from 1978 to 1998 when the automaker had its headquarters in Detroit’s New Center.
As a director of GM’s World Wide Real Estate and New Center Development Partnership, Gregory worked to add housing, office, and commercial projects in New Center, an area that spanned 500 acres. Rather than see the area around GM’s former headquarters at West Grand Boulevard and Second Avenue decay, he helped redevelop the area as part of a $250-million plan that included the restoration of historic homes, the addition of the New Center One building and New Center Park, infrastructure, public space/placemaking, and financing.
He also worked to help develop and enhance GM’s Warren Technical Center.
“Bob’s commitment and dedication to the community were unmatched. He had a rare ability to inspire and empower those around him, always eager to share his wisdom and skills,” says Larson. “Through his mentorship, he made a lasting impact on countless individuals, enhancing their capabilities and enriching their professional journeys.”
Following his time at General Motors, Gregory established RFG Consulting in Detroit and held a management role with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, where he led the rehabilitation and sale of some 750 single family homes in Detroit.
From there, he began to help plan the city’s celebration of its 300th anniversary on July 24, 2001, which included a display of more than two dozens tall ships along the Detroit River, educational programming with the Detroit Public Schools Community District, the Concert of Colors at Chene Park highlighted by a performance by Stevie Wonder, and the development of Campus Martius Park following $30 million in fundraising.
Today, the park includes the Woodward Fountain, the repositioning of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument on a fountain pedestal, sculptures, water features, landscaping, the city’s Point of Origin marker, a seasonal park/ice rink, the Parc restaurant, and more.
In addition, Gregory helped gain support among businesses for the successful Business Improvement Zone, which helps keep downtown streets clean and safe while providing public programming activities.
Gregory is survived by Elisabeth (wife), Rob (son), Sarah (daughter), Stephanie (daughter), Mark (son-in-law), Elizabeth (daughter-in-law), Thomas (grandson), and Elisabeth (granddaughter).
Details regarding Gregory’s memorial service are currently being finalized. For people who have memories to share, the Downtown Detroit Partnership has set up an email to capture quotes and sentiments at bobtribute@downtowndetroit.org.
