The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit, which saw the birth of the Ford Model T, is a significant site in automotive history.
It’s now home to a museum with more than 65 rare vehicles where visitors can ride in a crate elevator from 1926 and see Henry Ford’s old office.
The building is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and a U.S. National Historic Landmark.
Location
Detroit, Michigan.
Why it matters
A three-story tall brick building in Detroit was the birthplace of the Ford Model T.
The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, located at 461 Piquette Avenue, is a late Victorian style brick building modeled after New England textile mills, according to the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant website.
The architect Field, Hinchman & Smith constructed the building in 1904 and it was considered state of the art at the time.
It’s recognized as one of the most significant automotive heritage sites in the world, serving as Ford Motor Company’s first purpose-built factory.
Ford Models B, C, F, K, N, R, S and T were assembled there and the Model T was developed there.
It used to also house Ford business offices and Henry Ford’s office, which was on the second floor.
After Ford Motor Company relocated to its Highland Park Plant in 1910, it sold the Piquette building to Studebaker in 1911. Studebaker used it for auto production until 1933.
It was later occupied by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company and Cadillac Overall Company until it was purchased by Heritage Investment Company in 1989.
What to see today
In 2000, the building was sold to the Model-T Automotive Heritage Complex, Inc., which restored the building and now operates it as a historic site with a museum that has more than 65 rare vehicles.
The building is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and a U.S. National Historic Landmark.
Ask a local
Experience a 1926 crate elevator that carried vehicles one at a time between floors.
Plan your visit
USA 250 Most Treasured Views is a USA TODAY Network project exploring places across America with historical and cultural significance, created in celebration of the USA 250 initiative marking the nation’s 250th birthday.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dozens of rare vehicles are inside historic Ford plant in Detroit
Reporting by Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
