Former Ford dealer checks out historic cars at Ford headquarters
Bill McCubbin, 102, of Madison, Indiana, toured the Ford Heritage Fleet at Ford headquarters. Mr. McCubbin was previously a dealer in southeastern Indiana, where he began selling Fords in 1961.
- Ford will complete construction of the Innovation Hub as its new global headquarters on November 16th.
- The public will be invited to tour the building on the day of the event if they pre-register.
- Ford also offers car shows and other events for attendees of all ages.
This could be a one-time chance for the public to go inside Ford Motor Co.’s soon-to-be-built world headquarters.
The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker, which announced on September 15 that it will move its global headquarters from the iconic Glass House on Michigan Avenue to a newly developed innovation hub across from the Henry Ford Museum, will officially mark the new building as its global headquarters on November 16.
On the same day, the company will open its facility at Oakwood Boulevard and Village Road to the public free of charge to those who register from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In a flyer posted on Ford’s From the Road website, the company says, “Take an immersive tour to see rare interiors and see Ford’s story told through vehicles and captivating installations around campus. Enjoy a car show, food truck vendors selling local favorites, live entertainment, fall treats and family-friendly activities.”
The automaker said the public can help Ford commemorate the day’s historic opening by showing off “your special Ford vehicle through the years at the auto show.”
Ford is calling it the “Ford Community Car Show.” This includes everything from privately owned classic Ford cars to creative custom designs, sports models, and large trucks. If you want to attend a car show, you can sign up.
The schedule for the November 16th public tour is as follows:
- 11am: Gates open, tour begins
- Noon: Grand opening ceremony
- 4pm: Closing ceremony
- 16:30 Event ends
Ford said there will be a self-guided walking tour through the building, featuring employee wellness areas and workspaces, as well as “a few surprises along the way.” The tour lasts approximately 15-30 minutes. The automaker says no tour reservations are required to attend the grand opening, which includes other activities for all ages, but please register if you plan to attend on Nov. 16.
Ford’s current headquarters on Michigan Avenue, nicknamed the Glass House for its windowed exterior, is an iconic 950,000-square-foot building on 212 acres that has served as the company’s headquarters since 1956. Ford employees plan to vacate it by early next year. Ford will then begin a “sustainable demolition” of the building, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2027 or mid-2028.
The move to the new 2.1 million square foot global headquarters building will take place over the next few months. It will house executives and product developers. It also includes modern amenities such as seven executive chef-designed restaurants and outdoor workspaces.
For information on how to register for a tour or car show, please visit www.fromtheroad.ford.com and see Company News.
Jamie L. Lareau is a senior automotive writer at Gannett Co. and covers Ford Motor Co. for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Jamie: jlareau@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @Jalalean. To sign up automotive newsletter. become a subscriber.
