Location
Dearborn, MI
Original Construction
1929
Construction Cost
$130,000
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—Renovation of a 600 sqft cider mill built in 1929 into a home for the village president, most recently used by the Village for educational programs, including painting and pottery classes. The two-story, two-room stone structure measures just 13 by 26 feet with timber roof framing, wood plank floors, exposed wood rafters, and collar ties.  In 1993, in need of major repairs, the Village decided to renovate the building into a residence for its president. As the architect for the renovation, SmithGroup was faced with the challenge of maintaining the building’s historic character, in keeping with Greenfield Village, while converting the small interior into modern, convenient, livable space for a couple used to much more room.  Original architectural details, including floors, beams, and stonework, were restored as needed, while up-to-date electrical and mechanical systems were installed. The firm approached the project as if designing a ship with limited space.  Many space saving features were incorporated, including extensive built-ins (extra deep cabinets in the kitchen and storage under the platform bed), a stacking washer/dryer, and location 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