Project Details
A blend of historic restoration and industrial experience enabled DeMaria to partner with Walbridge Aldinger to restore the historic Ford Glass Plant. Time and harsh weather conditions challenged the team to complete the project in time to play an essential role in Ford’s Centennial Celebration. Beset with structural problems, the plant required serious attention to its structural steel framework, which had suffered damage over many years. Heat straightening metal columns worked to preserve and strengthen the building’s skeleton. Fortifying walls and foundations restored the exterior. Decades ago, the building’s distinctive glass curtain wall and roof monitors were obscured from view by metal siding. Removing the siding and refurbishing the glass returned the structure to more of its original design. Time was a critical factor at all times. For the Centennial Celebration, William Clay Ford Jr. was to recreate a historic scene played by Henry Ford riding past the plant in a Model T during the 1920’s. The scene was successfully carried out since DeMaria had accomplished all scope details in time without sacrificing quality or safety.