Liberty Plaza | Ann Arbor

Liberty Plaza is a small but significant public space located at the intersection of East Liberty Street and South Division Street in downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan. Despite its modest size—approximately 0.26 acres—the plaza holds a distinct place in the urban fabric of the city, both as a public gathering space and as a canvas for community expression. The plaza was designed to provide a contrast to the dense, energetic environment of the downtown commercial district.

Historical and Architectural Background

Liberty Plaza was established in 1977, designed by landscape architect Chuck Cares, who was also the city's planning director at the time. His vision was to create a multi-level, sunken plaza that offered a contemplative space tucked away from the busy sidewalks and streets above. This concept was influenced by 1970s modernist urban design, focusing on open concrete forms, geometric landscaping, and interactive use of vertical space.

The original purpose of the plaza was to serve as a pedestrian-oriented rest area, balancing hard urban edges with softer green spaces. Its unique configuration includes several interconnected tiers, formed by concrete retaining walls, stairs, and ramps. These levels create seating niches, visual interest, and a variety of micro-environments within a compact footprint.

Design and Layout

The layout of Liberty Plaza is deliberately non-linear, with angular lines and intersecting planes that invite exploration. The sunken nature of the space isolates it acoustically and visually from the street, which can be both calming and, at times, controversial for issues of visibility and safety. Despite its small size, the plaza feels dynamic due to its layered design.

Key elements include:

Concrete benches and steps used for informal seating

Raised planters that provide greenery and shade

Tree canopies that soften the starkness of concrete

Open central area suitable for performances or gatherings

Sensory Garden

In 2013, the Ann Arbor Commission on Disability Issues, in partnership with the Ann Arbor Host Lions Club, installed a sensory garden at Liberty Plaza. This thoughtful addition aimed to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, particularly for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Features of the sensory garden include:

Fragrant plants like lavender and mint

Textural foliage such as lamb’s ear and ornamental grasses

Colorful perennials to create visual stimulation

Interpretive signage with tactile and braille components

This sensory garden not only brings beauty and biodiversity to the plaza but also reinforces its role as a public space that serves the diverse needs of the community.

Public Art and Murals

Liberty Plaza has long been a focal point for public art and social messaging. Its concrete walls, previously seen as blank and austere, are now used as rotating mural spaces. In 2024, the City of Ann Arbor issued a call to artists for murals that would be colorful, abstract, and community-friendly, meant to bring vibrancy and vitality to the space.

This initiative was driven by a desire to:

Combat the plaza’s previously “harsh” appearance

Discourage vandalism and graffiti by offering legal creative outlets

Strengthen the plaza’s identity as a place for artistic expression and social gathering

The art installations frequently change and often reflect themes of social justice, diversity, and local pride.

Cultural and Community Events

Liberty Plaza regularly hosts public events, especially in the summer and early fall months. The most prominent among them is the Sonic Lunch concert series, a long-standing tradition sponsored by local radio station 107one and Bank of Ann Arbor.

Sonic Lunch Details:

Day: Thursdays

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Season: June through August

Cost: Free to the public

Performers: Local and regional musicians spanning genres from folk and indie rock to funk and jazz

These concerts transform Liberty Plaza into a vibrant communal area, drawing people from nearby offices, shops, and campuses to enjoy live music and lunch outdoors.

Regulations and Accessibility

Liberty Plaza is part of the Ann Arbor public parks system and adheres to standard rules set by the city. It is open to the public daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Rules and usage policies include:

No smoking in the park

No alcohol or illegal substances

Dogs must be leashed at all times

No camping or overnight sleeping

Bicycles and scooters must be walked, not ridden, through the plaza

The space is wheelchair accessible, with gently sloped ramps connecting the different levels. However, because of its sunken design, visibility and perception of safety have been recurring concerns. Efforts have been made to improve lighting and encourage more frequent community programming to make the plaza feel safer and more welcoming.

Challenges and Public Perception

While Liberty Plaza is valued for its location and design, it has faced criticism and controversy over the years. Issues have included:

Lack of consistent maintenance

Overuse by transient or unhoused populations, leading to perceptions of it being unsafe or uninviting

Limited programming outside summer months, making it underutilized during much of the year

Nonetheless, city leaders, nonprofits, and community groups continue to explore ways to reinvigorate and activate the space through murals, music, food carts, and public workshops.

Conclusion

Liberty Plaza is a multi-dimensional urban park that blends modernist design, artistic expression, social equity, and civic programming into a compact space. Its evolving identity reflects both the strengths and complexities of maintaining inclusive public spaces in a growing, diverse city like Ann Arbor. Though modest in size, it plays a meaningful role in the downtown experience—as a place of rest, reflection, and gathering amid the city’s daily rhythms.