Durant-Dort Factory One

The Durant-Dort Factory One is a landmark manufacturing building in downtown Flint, originally built in 1880 as a three-story red brick structure. The building preserves its original wooden ceilings, columns, and industrial architectural features that reflect the crafted character of early industrial construction.

William Durant and Josiah Dort founded their carriage manufacturing business in this factory in 1886, which eventually led to the creation of General Motors in 1908. This operation became crucial to the emergence of the modern American automobile industry.

The building now serves as a repository for archives and collections that document Flint's pivotal role in early automobile manufacturing. Visitors can see documents and artifacts that illustrate how this city became a center for vehicle production.

The location now operates as an event center capable of hosting up to 300 people for conferences, meetings, and group visits. The building offers good accessibility and functionality due to extensive restoration work that upgraded its facilities while maintaining historical character.

The building underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2017 that invested significant resources while preserving its original character and materials. This restoration demonstrates how historic industrial buildings can be adapted to meet contemporary needs.

Location: Flint

Address: 303 W Water St, Flint, MI 48503

Phone: +18107775101

Website: https://gmfactoryone.com

GPS coordinates: 43.01722,-83.69528

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:43