Sun Communities Helps Ring in New Era in Detroit

Southfield, Mich. - For the first time in more than 50 years, an iconic part of Detroit history is back on display for everyone to see - and it has a new home.  Thanks to the Eastern Market Partnership and the Detroit Historical Society, along with the generous support of Sun Communities, Inc., the city rang in a new era on September 7 with the unveiling of the Unity Bell. Its new home is now in the revitalized Eastern Market section of Detroit.

Dedicated in 1871, the 7,670-pound bell first sat atop the former city hall and was part of the largest clock tower in the United States when it was built.  The former city hall was demolished in 1962 to make way for newer buildings, and the Bell, along with other artifacts from city hall, remained tucked away at Historic Fort Wayne.

Master craftsman Carlos Nielbock of C.A.N. Art Handworks located many of the items from the old city hall. His organization fully restored the Unity Bell before it was placed in its current location.

"The Unity Bell is an important piece of Detroit's history. It represents many of Sun's core values, as we all embrace diversity, equity and inclusion bringing people from many different backgrounds and experiences together to work towards a common goal," said John McLaren, president and COO of Sun Communities, Inc.  "We feel that it is important that the people of our great city have a chance to not only see the Unity Bell but to also embrace its meaning and the role that it plays in our history and our future. We at Sun Communities are extremely honored and proud to be a part of this important path."