Ford to replace aging research, engineering campus in Mich. with $1billion high-tech product complex

[Biker16]

 

 

 

APR 12, 2016 | DEARBORN, MICH.

FORD TRANSFORMING DEARBORN CAMPUS TO FURTHER DRIVE INNOVATION, COLLABORATION AND INVEST IN EMPLOYEES

Ford begins a 10-year transformation of its more than 60-year-old Dearborn facilities to colocate 30,000 employees from 70 buildings into primarily two campus locations

Centralized campus will support Ford’s plan to be an auto and mobility company; new facilities to further drive innovation and collaboration in every part of its business

Construction begins this month on the new product campus location, including new Design Center; it will be a walkable community with paths, trails and covered walkways as well as autonomous vehicles, on-demand shuttles, eBikes, employee services, high-speed internet and more green spaces

New buildings will reduce energy use by about 50 percent, save water and include the new zero-waste, zero-energy, zero-water Sustainability Showcase building

DEARBORN, Mich., April 12, 2016 – Ford Motor Company today announces plans to transform its Dearborn facilities into a modern, green and high-tech campus to foster innovation and help drive the company’s transition to an auto and a mobility company.

The 10-year transformation of the company’s more than 60-year-old Dearborn facilities will colocate 30,000 employees from 70 buildings today into primarily two locations – a product campus and a world headquarters campus. More than 7.5 million square feet of work space will be rebuilt and upgraded into even more technology-enabled and connected facilities.

A walkable community with paths, trails and covered walkways, the product campus will include a new design center, autonomous vehicles, on-demand shuttles, eBikes, new onsite employee services, wireless connectivity speeds up to 10 times faster than today and more green spaces.

A second campus location – around the current Ford World Headquarters building – will feature a new Ford Credit facility and provide onsite employee services, improved connectivity and enhanced accessibility to the expansive green space that surrounds the building.

“As we transition to an auto and a mobility company, we’re investing in our people and the tools they use to deliver our vision,” said Ford President and CEO Mark Fields. “Bringing our teams together in an open, collaborative environment will make our employees’ lives better, speed decision-making and deliver results for both our core and emerging businesses.”

The company’s core auto business includes continuing to invest in designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing cars, SUVs, trucks and electrified vehicles. It also is pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience and data and analytics.

Construction of the new product campus begins this month at the Ford Research and Engineering Center. The majority of work is expected to be complete by 2023. Major work on the second campus around Ford World Headquarters begins in 2021 and is expected to be complete in 2026.

A conceptual video of the product campus transformation can be viewed here.

Product Campus

The current Ford Research and Engineering Center Campus – dedicated by U.S. President Eisenhower in May 1953 – currently houses 12,000 employees. It is being transformed into a contemporary, innovative work environment to accommodate 24,000 employees in 4.5 million square feet of upgraded work space.

Key features will include:

New connected facilities that will feature the latest wired and wireless hardware designed to last many years;

Work spaces that foster collaboration and spark innovation;

A central green area that will link buildings with walking trails, bike paths and covered walkways;

Energy-saving sustainable technologies, including geothermal heating and cooling, and

Water-saving technologies, such as rainwater capture and automated metering.

The campus also will serve as a pilot location for Ford Smart Mobility solutions, including autonomous vehicles, on-demand shuttles and eBikes to transport employees.

The all-new, more-than-700,000-square-foot Design Center will be the focal point of the campus and include new studios and an outdoor design courtyard. The historic 14,000-square-foot Ford Design Showroom will remain and will be upgraded to be used as an event venue.

Ford World Headquarters Campus

The current Ford World Headquarters building was dedicated in 1956 and reflects thought-leading architecture of that time. When campus renovation begins in 2021, care will be taken to retain the iconic image of the building while providing both exterior and interior enhancements.

The new campus will include:

More than 1.3 million square feet of reworked space;

A new Ford Credit facility connected to World Headquarters, forming a more cohesive, employee-friendly campus;

Improved connectivity, walkways, covered parking decks and outdoor recreation facilities, including softball and soccer fields, and

Enhanced green spaces with planted areas, native species and tree canopy, including the renewal of the Arjay Miller Arboretum started in 1960.

All employees in the World Headquarters campus, including senior executives, will have better technologically connected facilities and open work spaces, creating a collaborative environment. In the near term, both Ford World Headquarters and Ford Credit facilities will receive updates to common areas, including a modern cafe at World Headquarters.

21st Century Sustainability

Ford’s commitment to sustainability and innovation will be integrated throughout the project. This includes a new Sustainability Showcase building on the product campus, which will produce more energy than it consumes.

The new Sustainability Showcase aims to meet Living Building Challenge standards, the highest level of sustainability possible today. The net zero-waste, net zero-energy, net zero-water facility will include geothermal heating and cooling and generate renewable energy from the sun.

Throughout the two campuses, increased building insulation, new glazing systems, state-of-the-art lighting and daylighting, and heat recovery will reduce overall energy use in new buildings by approximately 50 percent annually. Overall potable water use will be significantly reduced through advanced water fixture selection, metering and process enhancements.

“Just as the Rouge manufacturing renovation completed in 2003 set a new standard for sustainability, we expect to do the same as we transform our campuses into a modern, efficient complex that enhances the environment,” said Bill Ford, Ford executive chairman. “This project incorporates thoughtful ways to improve the environmental footprint of our facilities, while creating a vibrant workplace that inspires our employees.”

The company anticipates all renovated facilities on both campuses will achieve at a minimum silver certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design process. All new construction is planned to meet LEED Gold certification standards, including sustainable material selection and material ingredient transparency.

The new buildings will have high-performance energy systems incorporating daylighting, solar orientation, natural airflow ventilation and heat recovery. An advanced storm water management system will capture, clean and reduce storm water run-off, while a greening of the site will include more planted areas and native species, a tree canopy and natural rain retention areas.

Campus Design

SmithGroupJJR designed the new campus layout, applying inspiration from tech companies and university campuses. Designs incorporate the seven concepts of the WELL Building Standard®, which look at how air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mental and emotional health impact employees.

Collaborative work areas will be a key design feature throughout the complex. Employees can expect more natural light in individual work spaces and more daily choice about where to work on particular tasks.

From sit/stand desks and private spaces to indoor and outdoor cafes with Wi-Fi, employees will have plenty of choice, including at least one conference and meeting space for every seven employees. In addition, on-site fitness centers and more healthy dining options are planned.

“We are taking a holistic approach when integrating employee wellness into work environments,” said Donna Inch, chairman and CEO, Ford Motor Land Development Corporation. “We realize people are our greatest asset, and we are putting them at the heart of our workplace design to create healthy, happy work environments.”

When complete, Ford’s Dearborn campuses will complement the company’s state-of-the-art facility that opened in Palo Alto, California, last year. The company plans to apply best practices and space standards from the Dearborn campus project as it upgrades its other global office environments.

 

[twintornados]

Where is Donald Trump now?? Ford invests BIG time in the USA and not a peep from the king of tools....

[BORG]

I've been waiting decades for this to finally happen, very exciting.

[mackinaw]

It’s about time. Back in the early 70’s, when I had a summer job as a student intern in Engine Engineering, some of the buildings I worked in dated back to the era of Henry Ford. I believe the old power pant dated back to the era of the Model T.

[ibinubu12]

About time and desperately needed! This will consolidate employees from all over Dearborn and Allen Park into the R&E Center. Should be a massive boon for productivity.

[probowler]

Or they could have taken the new Bronco to Moab for free.

 

 

Just sayin

[theoldwizard]

It’s about time. Back in the early 70’s, when I had a summer job as a student intern in Engine Engineering, some of the buildings I worked in dated back to the era of Henry Ford. I believe the old power pant dated back to the era of the Model T.

The oldest building in the R&E Center is technically across the street, next to the Henry Ford Museum ! The Ford Research Lab (a.k.a. EEE, a.k.a. POEE) was the FIRST building built exclusively engineering. Henry The First had an office there. The building was closed for several years starting in 2008 ('09?), but was recently partially remodeled and reopened.

Edited April 14, 2016 by theoldwizard

[theoldwizard]

About time and desperately needed! This will consolidate employees from all over Dearborn and Allen Park into the R&E Center. Should be a massive boon for productivity.

I'm not sure how much more "consolidation" they really need to do after the cuts they made in 2008 (approximately 30% of the white collar work force retired or were let go).

 

While most of the leased building were let go during the Recession, others became an empty shell. In the past year or so Ford has hired a lot of white collar and are now having issues locating them all in Dearborn. The FRL building was about 25% restored. The rest may be restored because they need "temporary housing" as they tear down and rebuild.

 

The biggest change will be the multi-story parking garages that will allow them to convert parking lots into "green space".

[fordmantpw]

This should help Ford hire and retain good employees.

 

Heck, after watching the video, I want to go to work for Ford even more now!

[Fgts]

Where is Donald Trump now?? Ford invests BIG time in the USA and not a peep from the king of tools....

To be fair, the project is relocating current employees to a new facility, not exactly building a new factory.

[akirby]

To be fair, the project is relocating current employees to a new facility, not exactly building a new factory.

 

It's a 10 year construction project and huge re-investment in the community.

[fordmantpw]

To be fair, the project is relocating current employees to a new facility, not exactly building a new factory.

 

The estimated cost of the project is $1.2B. That's a lot of money to pump into the economy in Dearborn, whether it's a new factory or new office buildings. Ford is expected to increase the number of employees in that area as well. How is that not a win for Dearborn? I think it stresses the positives of buying from an American company, even if some of those products are not produced in America. The profits are coming home to be spent here.

[Biker16]

 

The estimated cost of the project is $1.2B. That's a lot of money to pump into the economy in Dearborn, whether it's a new factory or new office buildings. Ford is expected to increase the number of employees in that area as well. How is that not a win for Dearborn? I think it stresses the positives of buying from an American company, even if some of those products are not produced in America. The profits are coming home to be spent here.

 

This is win for Dearborn, but outside of the One-time capital investment this Isn't a huge "win" for the US or even Michigan as whole. the relocated employees leave behind vacant buildings and reduced tax base in other communities that will have to be dealt with over time.

[fordmantpw]

 

This is win for Dearborn, but outside of the One-time capital investment this Isn't a huge "win" for the US or even Michigan as whole. the relocated employees leave behind vacant buildings and reduced tax base in other communities that will have to be dealt with over time.

 

Maybe it isn't a 'huge' win, but it is a win. Just ask those that will have jobs for the next 10 years constructing the buildings and the campus. Injecting $1.2B into the economy is nothing to at. And this is over a long period of time, not just a one-and-done type of construction project that happens in 2 years and then everyone leaves.

[Biker16]

 

Maybe it isn't a 'huge' win, but it is a win. Just ask those that will have jobs for the next 10 years constructing the buildings and the campus. Injecting $1.2B into the economy is nothing to at. And this is over a long period of time, not just a one-and-done type of construction project that happens in 2 years and then everyone leaves.

 

Point taken.

 

How much tax money will the State and City will be required to build this project and to clean and redevelop the properties to be Abandoned by this project?

[akirby]

 

Point taken.

 

How much tax money will the State and City will be required to build this project and to clean and redevelop the properties to be Abandoned by this project?

 

There is just no pleasing you, is there?

 

I see no mention of abandoning properties or spending any taxpayer money. Ford is rebuilding and upgrading THEIR existing facilities.

[mackinaw]

Sure it’s a huge win. I was born and raised in Dearborn and know how important Ford is to the city, as well as the surrounding communities. Remember not all Ford employees live in Dearborn, they live all over SE Michigan (owning homes and paying property tax). And, when it comes right down to it, Ford doesn’t have to stay in Dearborn. They could just as easily relocate to Ann Arbor, Atlanta, Redmond, or Cologne, Germany if they wanted. Their loyalty to Dearborn should be commended.

[fordmantpw]

 

Point taken.

 

How much tax money will the State and City will be required to build this project and to clean and redevelop the properties to be Abandoned by this project?

 

How much tax money will be generated by the purchase of goods for the project? How much income tax will be generated by the pay of those workers? How much property tax income by the people moving to the area? How much property tax by the increased value of the property by Ford?

[akirby]

It's getting awfully muddy in here.......

[aneekr]

 

 

help drive the company’s transition to an auto and a mobility company

 

This bodes well for Ford Motor Company's future viability. I think that Ford is making good progress in the transition away from the traditional ICE powered passenger cars and light trucks toward a wider range of personal mobility solutions. The new complex in Dearborn aligns well with Ford's strategy.

[fuzzymoomoo]

 

Point taken.

 

How much tax money will the State and City will be required to build this project and to clean and redevelop the properties to be Abandoned by this project?

From what I can tell, and what I've heard, Ford is retaining all of their existing properties. They will be demolishing buildings they will no longer be using and repurposing the land for other uses.

[fordmantpw]

From what I can tell, and what I've heard, Ford is retaining all of their existing properties. They will be demolishing buildings they will no longer be using and repurposing the land for other uses.

 

Yep, that's what I got out of it too. Converting a lot of area to 'green space'.

[BORG]

All the new buildings seem to be in or near the footprint of the main R&E facility so I'm curious how they are going to be able to pull this off. This isn't quite a complete overhaul of the campus, many aging buildings remain after the completion date.

 

Ford's Campus has LONG been a hodgepodge of aging and neglected buildings, It's amazing they've achieved what they have on that campus. The Glass House is a fairly bland form of Mid-Mod, not much to showcase there but it's worth maintaining as is. The new atrium puts a big scar on the building that to me looks like a fire-escape.

Edited April 13, 2016 by BORG

[mackinaw]

The Glass House is a fairly bland form of Mid-Mod, not much to showcase there but it's worth maintaining as is.

 

In the mid-1950’s, the Glass house was thoroughly modern. A quote by columnist George Will probably sums up the Glass House best, “a sleek glass-and-steel minimalism that characterized up-to-date architecture in the 1950’s, when America was at the wheel of the world and even buildings seemed streamlined for speed.”

Even though I was a little kid when the Glass House opened in 1956, I remember touring it. The even had a Galileo exhibit in the lobby as I recall.

[ibinubu12]

I'm not sure how much more "consolidation" they really need to do after the cuts they made in 2008 (approximately 30% of the white collar work force retired or were let go).

 

While most of the leased building were let go during the Recession, others became an empty shell. In the past year or so Ford has hired a lot of white collar and are now having issues locating them all in Dearborn. The FRL building was about 25% restored. The rest may be restored because they need "temporary housing" as they tear down and rebuild.

 

The biggest change will be the multi-story parking garages that will allow them to convert parking lots into "green space".

 

Marketing is in one building two miles away, purchasing in a different building a mile away, etc.

 

Ideally they can all walk to each other now.

 

That's the "consolidation" I mean.