Why is the Ford Highland Park Plant important?
At the dawn of the 20th century, Ford Motor Company built the Ford Highland Park Plant, an industrial and manufacturing epicenter which consisted of 130 acres, almost two dozen buildings and more than two million square feet of factory space. This national historic landmark became the birthplace of the modern assembly line and launched the American middle class. It was here that the famed Model T was mass-produced and the $5 a day wage and 40 hour week was born.
Our Story
The Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3) is a nonprofit collaboration of public, private, local and regional partners working to preserve, enhance and promote Michigan’s iconic 27-mile Woodward Avenue All-American Road, one of the most significant roadways in the country.
The WA3 is also responsible for obtaining and managing the national All American Road designation for the 27-mile urban byway from the Detroit River to the Pontiac loop. The designation was bestowed in recognition of our unique and nationally significant story of the automobile. All the cities, township and countries, which Woodward Avenue traverses are members of WA3 along with business representatives and members at large.
The WA3 is finalizing the purchase of the 40,000 square foot Ford Administration building, which fronts on Woodward Avenue along with the 8,000 square foot Executive Garage and 3.3 acres of land to rehabilitate for the Automobile Heritage Welcome Center.
The Vision
The WA3’s vision is to create a new, state-of-the-art Automotive Heritage Welcome Center for the nationally designated All American Road and Automotive Heritage Area. Utilizing the latest interactive technology, the Welcome Center will showcase Henry Ford’s legendary footprint on Woodward and Detroit through an interpretive and interaction museum, education displays, and entertainment experiences.
When completed, the Ford Highland Park Automotive Heritage and Welcome Center will spur economic development and job creation in the region, as well as position Woodward Avenue as a leading international cultural and tourist destination.
How You Can be a Part of Making History
- Become a member of the Woodward Avenue Action Association
- Volunteer at one of our events
- Serve on one of our committees
- Financially support the Ford Highland Park Preservation Project
- Match Funding for Due Diligence
Donate Now (Make checks payable to):
Woodward Avenue Action Association
30948 Woodward Avenue
Suite 200
Royal Oak, MI 48073