A touch of history
Canton Township unveils new facility at former Ford factory site
Canton Township officially opened The Factory, a new multi-use activity center, with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 22. The building was originally a historic Henry Ford factory transformed through multiple federal, county and local grants.
Canton Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak led the festivities, which included special remarks from Wayne County Economic Development Executive Director Anthony Cartwright, Wayne County Commissioner Melissa Daub, as well as Canton Parks, Recreation & Community Services Director Jon LaFever.
Significant funding for the fully renovated $3 million facility was provided by Wayne County, with appropriations from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021-State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA/SLFRF).
Once used as a small factory site operated by Henry Ford that employed disabled World War II veterans to make auto components, the 6,400-square-foot facility will now provide space for youth development, therapeutic recreation, health and wellness, arts and cultural programming, as well as enrichment classes, community events, and private rentals, township officials said.
Located at 50625 Cherry Hill Road, The Factory will also host Canton Parks, Recreation & Community Services programs, special events, workshops, and enrichment opportunities.
An open house event to help celebrate the completion of the facility is planned for 10 a.m. until noon Saturday, Nov. 7. For additional information about The Factory, visit www.cantonmi.gov/1384 or call 734/394-5360.
