I experienced the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant as a guest of the Ford Motor Company; however, all opinions are my own. #FORDNAIAS
From the moment you arrive at the historic Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, the birthplace of the Model T, you can feel the presence of those who came before. The location is just a few blocks off of I-94 and I-75, but a world away. It was added to the U.S. Nationa Register of Historic Places in 2002 and declared a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 2006. Both much-deserved recognition.
The Piquette Avenue Plant was built in 1904 as the second home of the Ford Motor Company and the first plant built specifically to create the Model T. It went on to also produce other models. Ford sold the building in 1911 to Studebaker, who used the building until 1933. It was owned by several other businesses until it was purchased by the Model T Automotive Heritage Complex in 2000. It’s now a historic site that’s open to the public and run by some amazingly dedicated volunteers.
I had the pleasure of meeting a few of them during my time with Ford in 2015 during the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). I was impressed with their love for not only the building but also the vehicles they are stewards of. Their wealth of information about how these vehicles were used in daily life as well as the history of the plant is remarkable. If you get the chance to visit, and I suggest you do, spend some time chatting with the volunteers. They’re happy to share their knowledge and love sharing their passion for these vintage vehicles.
The Piquette Avenue Plant provides a tour back in history to learn about the innovations that were made that created the popular Ford Model T. The three-story building is built in the New England-style, which boasts the original metal fire doors and wood plank floors. The worn treads have been honed smooth by work boots and equipment, and light shines through the cracks from the floors below. The original windows are immense and beautiful and at night, they are illuminated by the hanging light fixtures that create the most incredible glow.
Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Events
This stunning historic location is available for special events. It’s the perfect place for a wedding! The rustic feel and antique cars are an excellent backdrop for most any event. Guest will enjoy experiencing the history of the autos and the splendor of the building with the large windows, open beams, and original wood floor.
Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Donations
Donations are gladly accepted to continue the restoration efforts. Donate online. The Model T Automotive Heritage Complex, Inc. (Ford Piquette Avenue Plant) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and is not affiliated with Ford Motor Company. Contributions are tax deductible.
Learn more about the Historic Ford Piquette Avenue Plant at the official website.
This looks like a neat place to hold an event. I have always been into cars and I would love to visit the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in person.
Great photo recaps! This is a very interesting place!
What an amazing place to visit. So much history and it’s great that it’s preserved. Those old vehicles are fabulous!
My brother lives south of Detroit. My next visit to his house I will for sure check this out. Looks very interesting
This is amazing, the Ford Motor Company helped shape the current automobile industry. This is a really cool way to view all that history.
What an beautiful location. I think visiting the Ford plant would be amazing!
We own a Ford and we absolutely love it. I would love to tour the historical Piquette and see what it all started.
This is really cool, I want to go there one day.
What a cool place to visit. I’d love seeing all of the old cars and learning the history of the plant.
That’s so cool. What a fun idea to do a wedding there. Such a big part of our history.
It’s really cool how this plant has retained its classic look. It looks so stylish with the lights and the beautiful cars.
What a neat experience, I went to detroit a few years ago to the North American International Auto Show too! Those old vehicles are so cool.
What a stunning place to visit filled with so much history. I know my mechanic husband and car obsessed son would love the opportunity to see the plant in person.
That is such a neat looking building. I love the old-world charm. It looks like a great place to party!
My husband would love to visit this place. He talks about cars nonstop, so I am sure he could appreciate the abundance of history here.
WOW… what a huge piece of history. I’d love to attend a party there, too. What a beautiful place for a wedding, like you said!
Wow, what a cool place to visit. I love historical sites and museums.
I think visiting that plant would be so fun. Talk about a real piece of American history
How cool! I would love to go visit there someday! I love old cars.
I am a big fan of the Model T (the t-bucket). My father when he was alive belonged to a hot rod club and had 2 of them! They were awesome, fun to go on rod runs with him, this brings back memories, thanks!