DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 11, 2010 –Edsel B. Ford II– the great-grandson of Henry Ford – is being recognized today by The Detroit District Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI Detroit) for his contribution toward the development of Campus Martius Park and the revitalization of Detroit.
Mr. Ford, along with Peter Karmanos Jr., will be presented with the Placemaker Award, which celebrates and honors the two business leaders who have made a positive impact on the vibrancy and quality of life in the community through the use of land.
"There isn't a city in the world I love more than the city of Detroit and I'm truly grateful to have been part of the development of Campus Martius Park," said Edsel B. Ford II, member of the board of directors, Ford Motor Company. "This award represents so much more than just the creation of a beautiful park. It represents the teamwork of hundreds of people who, together, transformed an area of Detroit into an inviting and enriching environment that draws families, employers, students and visitors from all over to our great city."
This year, Campus Martius Park received the first-ever Urban Land Institute Amanda Burden Urban Open Space Award. This award recognizes an outstanding example of a public open space that has catalyzed the transformation of the surrounding community.
"This park has far exceeded all expectations, in terms of the lift it has provided to Detroit's social and economic well-being," said Amanda Burden, chair of the New York City Planning Commission, director of the New York Department of City Planning. "It reflects a creative, innovative approach to transforming an eyesore into a jewel. What makes Campus Martius Park work so well is that, quite simply, it's a place where people want to spend time. As a result, it's a magnet for investment. That's the definition of a successful urban open space."
Earlier this week Edsel, along with his wife Cynthia, were also honored by the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion with the Humanitarian Tribute for their dedication to enhancing the quality of life in the Detroit metropolitan area as well as their commitment to creating a unified and inclusive community.
"Cynthia and I are truly humbled to have been recognized by such honorable organizations that are working every day to make a critical difference for the Detroit metropolitan area," said Ford. "Our community has a lot to be proud of, and awards like these are proof that together we can make a difference for Detroit and its people."
Mr. Ford currently serves on the board of directors of Ford Motor Company and continues to be active in company affairs and corporate dealer relations. He is the great-grandson of Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company. His grandfather is Edsel B. Ford, company president from 1919 to 1943. His late father, Henry Ford II, was president of the company from 1945 to 1960 and chairman from 1960 to 1980.
Mr. Ford is also very active in several charitable organizations and is the former chairman of the National Advisory Board of the Salvation Army. He is a trustee of both The Skillman Foundation and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
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