The beloved sculptures “The Lion and the Mouse” by Marshall Fredericks and “Hippo” by William McVey that cheered shoppers at Eastland Center in Harper Woods for more than six decades have found a new home at Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit.
After the eastside mall closed in 2021, the two oversized art pieces were donated to the Detroit Historical Society by NorthPoint Development, developers of the former Eastland property. The NorthPoint Development team worked with the Detroit Historical Society and Ascension St. John to identify and construct a fitting place for them to go back on public display.
The approximately four-ton “The Lion and the Mouse” sculpture can be found in the hospital’s main courtyard, and “Hippo” is located near the entrance to Shery L. Cotton Pediatric Emergency Department.
"We’re so proud to have been part of saving these nostalgic and historic pieces of art from Eastland Center. So many of us have memories of spending time at Eastland, taking our photo next to “The Lion and the Mouse,” or even climbing them. These sculptures are part of the fabric of our community and now visitors, patients, and families spending time at Ascension St. John Hospital can enjoy them for years to come,” said Elana Rugh, Detroit Historical Society President & CEO.
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Aerial view of Eastland Center in 1966 by Jim Shepperd. Detroit Historical Society collection.
Learn more about Marshall Fredericks in our online encyclopedia and see items related to Eastland Center in our online collection.