Phoenix Mill, Historical mill in Plymouth Township, Wayne County, United States
Phoenix Mill sits along the Middle Rouge River with industrial architecture from the 1920s, powered by a hydroelectric system designed by Thomas Edison. The building is being converted into a public gathering space and restaurant while preserving its original framework.
Henry Ford established the mill in the 1920s as part of his Village Industrial Mills project, which aimed to create decentralized manufacturing centers. During World War II, the facility produced automobile components to support the war effort.
The mill stands out as the only Ford facility that employed exclusively women during World War II, marking a significant shift in manufacturing employment practices. This history remains visible in how the community speaks about the place today.
The site is located on Northville Road in southern Michigan, positioned among residential areas for easy vehicle access. The building is undergoing renovation work, so checking opening times or calling ahead is recommended before visiting.
The building combines architectural designs by Albert Kahn with energy technology from Thomas Edison, creating a rare partnership of innovative design and renewable power generation. This collaboration between two of the era's brightest minds made the facility an engineering rarity of its time.
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