Typically commercial buildings main MEP systems (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) are only good for 40 years on the high end. Replacing those systems in an active building, plus replacing failing exterior roof and cladding, meeting modern seismic standards, etc. is incredibly expensive. In many cases its actually cheaper to raze the old building and build new. Especially when you factor in 10-15 year maintenance costs. - Years of construction project management for projects up to $500M in value.
The old/current Ford HQ is WELL beyond its useful lifespan.
Mid century office buildings are renowned for their build quality. If anyone has ever worked in an office building or commercial structure built in that time frame knows that most of the time it is far cheaper to demo the whole thing and build a complete new building that meets the current needs and is flexible to meet future needs.
Glad to see Ford going to this hybrid transmission approach which I expect will eventually replace the planetary hybrid system used in Maverick and other FWD-based vehicles. Actually, I also expect the same hybrid transmission concept will spread to RWD-based HEV, PHEV, and EREV. It makes a lot of engineering sense that hybrids will rely more and more on electric power compared to ICE. As with Honda’s 2-motor system the primary drive motor is more powerful than the gas engine; not that both can’t work together cumulatively in parallel.
https://www.carguide.ph/2025/08/a-closer-look-at-ford-territory-hybrids.html?m=1
Specs from Ford brochure:
If by necessary, you mean does it move Ford forward? I think it was a smart move and "The Glass House" is just that....a mid-50's structure that is past it's prime and the only reason you refer to it as a "landmark" is due to the blue oval being attached to the top of it....it's an out of date building with no real style...was it nice at one time? Yes.... Could it be rehab'ed and reused? Sure.... but I am guessing with the limitations that were inherent with the design, it just became an obsolete office structure and Ford is demo'ing it instead of letting it become another abandoned eyesore that a future generation will have to deal with...my guess is, there is a lot of asbestos abatement that will need to be done....demolish it and move the property forward.