Original Construction
1929
Completion Date
1994

In 1929, Henry Ford established Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village as a place to collect “every article ever used or made in America from the days of the first settlers down to the present time.” Since 1987, Architects Four, parent company to HopkinsBurns has worked on several village buildings:

Ford Stories—Master planning for the adaptive reuse of six existing structures used to tell the story of Henry Ford’s childhood and career up to the creation of the Model T.

Smiths Creek Depot—Restoration of a historic train depot moved to the village. The

Stone Mill— Two-story, two-room stone structure measuring just 13 by 26 feet (600 sq ft) with timber roof framing, wood plank floors, exposed wood rafters, and collar ties. Most recently used by the Village for educational programs like painting and pottery classes, the building fell into need of major repairs by 1993, prompting the Village to decide to renovate it into a residence for its president. As the architect for the renovation, SmithGroup (precursor to HopkinsBurns) was faced with the challenge of maintaining the building’s historic character—in keeping with Greenfield Village—while converting the small interior into a modern, convenient, and livable space. Original architectural details, including floors, beams, and stonework, were restored as needed, alongside the installation of up-to-date electrical and mechanical systems. Approaching the design like a ship with limited space, the firm incorporated numerous space-saving features, including extensive built-ins (extra-deep kitchen cabinets and storage under the platform bed), a stacking washer/dryer, and placement of the furnace and hot water heater in an underground tunnel off the lower level.

Menlo Park Exhibit—Incorporated modern mechanical and electrical systems (including fire protection and security systems) into this five-building exhibit representing the life and work of Thomas Edison.

Exhibit Hall—A feasibility study, schematic design, contract documents, and consulting services prior to renovations in preparation for Michigan’s sesquicentennial