By Breana Noble

MediaNews Group

Ford Motor Co. is opening the doors of its new world headquarters to the public on Nov. 16.

Attendees must register online for free to enjoy the festivities that include self-guided tours, a car show, live entertainment, food trucks and other activities for families from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

The Dearborn automaker last month announced it was moving its headquarters across town to the new, enormous, glassy product development center known as “The Hub” off Oakwood Boulevard across from the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. It’ll serve as the home for the company that first made vehicles accessible to the masses as it pursues a future toward greater electrification, autonomous driving and other advanced technologies.

The new headquarters will get the 1 American Road address that has marked the location of the Glass House at Michigan Avenue and Southfield Road that has served as Ford’s headquarters since 1956. That building will be demolished and is expected to be turned into a park-like community space in partnership with the city.

On Nov. 16, a grand opening ceremony will occur at noon and a closing ceremony at 4 p.m. Guests can make reservations to see the inside of the building, including workspaces and employee wellness areas. The walking, self-guided look likely will take 15 to 30 minutes, according to Ford.

Guests still can register to attend, even if tour reservations become fully booked. The Ford Community Car Show will show privately owned Ford classics from custom designs and sports models to heavy-duty trucks.

For now, The Hub is listed at 2100 Carroll Shelby Way on Google Maps. Ford’s invitation encourages guests to enter at Village Road and South Pond. Parking is at Deck 300 at 21324 S. Military St. and the PDC lot at 21000 S. Military.

Ford Motor Company plans to move out of its world headquarters in Dearborn, but it’s not moving far.

Chairman Bill Ford and CEO Jim Farley announced the automaker’s operations will relocate from the iconic Glass House on Michigan Ave. to a new facility on Oakwood Blvd. across from the Henry Ford Museum.

In a joint statement, Ford and Farley say it’s not just a new building.

“It’s a catalyst for innovation and a physical symbol of our Ford+ transformation,” the executives say.

Ford+ encompasses all the company’s operations, including vehicle production, design, engineering, and innovation.

The Deuce you say!

The new headquarters will keep the old one’s name—the Henry Ford II World Center. The grandson of Henry Ford led the family business from 1945 to 1980.

Bill Ford and Jim Farley say the new building will be twice as large as the Glass House and hold twice as many employees. Some have already moved in during construction.

“Our team is working hard to wrap up construction as hundreds of employees are collaborating in the building already,” the executives say.

The automaker will hold a grand opening at the new facility in November. Construction should be completed in 2027.

An era ends

Ford built the Glass House in 1953 and opened it in 1956. It is one of the most recognizable buildings in Metro Detroit. Ford and Farley say the structure’s age and industry changes necessitated the move.

“The future of our industry demands a different kind of space, one that is more connected, more flexible, and built for the speed of a technology—and software—connected company,” according to their joint statement.

Once the Glass House is empty, crews will demolish it and work with the City of Dearborn to find a new use for it. Demolition will take about 18 months.

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