A productive 2008 is planned for the Ford Piquette Plant by
T-Plex, the nonprofit dedicated to its preservation and interpretation. Most prominently, the facade of the 68,000-square-foot New England-style factory will be returned to its original 1904 appearance. The Michigan Department of Transportation is funding the work at a cost of $293,000.
A fire sprinkler system, funded by EDI, will be installed and a women’s restroom will be completed on the third floor. Last year, a smoke detection system was installed and 10 windows were restored.
T-Plex is working toward establishing a full-fledged museum on the site, which is considered one of the most important buildings in the history of the automotive industry.The first 15,000 Model T’s were built in the building and it was here that Henry Ford began to implement aspects of what would become the assembly line.
Currently, the Ford Piquette Plant is open two Saturdays a month. T-Plex acquired the property in 2000 and has slowly but surely been improving the historic site. Call 313-872-8759 for more information or to schedule a group tour.
Source: Gerald Mitchell, T-Plex
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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