APPLEWOOD MASTER PLAN 
Description of Initiative:
The Master Plan for Applewood was completed at the end of 2006 to guide the future use and preservation of Applewood over the next 15 years. In addition, two other elements were embraced as part of the Master Plan process including designing a solution to minimize the frequent flooding of Gilkey Creek across Applewood and neighboring properties, and embarking on a collaborative planning process with Applewood’s neighbors including Mott community College and the Flint Cultural Center.
The following initiatives are part of the Applewood Master Plan:
- The section of Gilkey Creek that currently disappears into an underground culvert will be routed to flow open and naturally in a new path across Applewood. State of the art watershed and streambank stabilization practices will restore the health of the creek, enhance the beauty of the greenway, and offer environmental education opportunities for visitors and municipal leaders.
- The use of sustainable building materials and processes will be embraced by Applewood. Materials used for new structures, gardens and amenities at Applewood will be environmentally friendly and, whenever possible, will be renewable, salvaged or recycled. The Parking lot will use green design to minimize the negative impact that large expanses of pavement can have on the environment.
- New initiatives on the estate’s ground will include inspiration and experimental gardens that can be viewed by visitors on Applewood’s grounds as well as by passersby. The addition of a landscaped environment along the banks of Gilkey Creek will provide working demonstrations of sustainable principles and environmentally sound land management, wildlife habitat, bio-filtration, streambank stabilization and floodwater mitigation.
- The original entrance on Kearsley Street will be reestablished as the main entrance for the public. Guests will begin their visit to Applewood in a proposed nearby Welcome Center.
- A maintenance center is being proposed as a model for sustainable design that works in Michigan’s climate. This structure, known as a “zero use” building, will give back as much energy as it uses.
- More collaboration between Applewood and its neighbors will be initiated including the creation of a design for signs, lighting, parking and other beautification features throughout the District that will contribute to a unified appearance.
- Shared enhancement of Gilkey Creek will be pursued, connecting Kearsley Park to the north with the neighborhoods to the south and Burroughs Park. This will improve access for pedestrians and bicyclers.
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Background Information:
Applewood is the historic home and farm of Charles Stewart Mott, built by him in 1916. The home, gatehouse, barn and chicken coop are Jacobean Revival style and are listed on the national register of historic structures. Of its 34 acres, 18 are landscaped with lush lawns, flower-filled gardens, stately trees, and a rare, heirloom apple orchard. The other 16 acres, located primarily within the Gilkey Creek floodplain were acquired in 2005 and are part of the estate’s original 66 acres. This unique setting promotes a feeling of tranquility and renewal and enhances the programs held there.
For Additional Information Contact:
Ruth Mott Foundation
(810) 233-0170
www.ruthmottfoundation.org
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