the prominent american urban park designer frederick law olmsted created a design for the island in the 1880s. he was known for his design of central park in new york. but only some elements of his design were completed. the 1908 belle isle casino building is not a gambling facility; rather, it is used for occasional public events. highlights of belle isle include a botanical garden and the belle isle conservatory (1904). both the conservatory and the adjacent aquarium were designed by detroit architect albert kahn, who designed city landmarks such as cadillac place and the ford rouge factory.