Guyton to dismantle Heidelberg to create new experience

DETROIT (WJBK) - Major changes are in the works for Detroit's iconic Heidelberg Project.

After 30 years of work, creator Tyree Guyton is ready to shake things up.

Tyree Guyton told the Detroit Free Press he is going to change the name into Heidelberg 3.0, which he describes as an "arts-infused community" rather than an installation driven by one man. The 60-year-old Guyton started transforming his decaying, crime-ridden neighborhood into an interactive sculpture park in 1986.

The project survived attempts by Detroit officials to raze it in 1991 and 1999 and a series of arson fires that have destroyed six houses since 2013.

Guyton explained the change by saying he needs to do something he has not done before. Parts of the project will be donated to museums. 

In the meantime, the Heidelberg Project continues to draw 200,000 visitors per year from all over the globe.

It's not exactly clear on what Heidelberg 3.0 will look like, but Guyton says it'll be more community driven instead of the work of one man.

The Associated Press contributed to this report