The Historic Milford Powerhouse, Milford, Michigan

http://www.milfordpowerhouse.com/

Approximately 45-minutes north east of Ann Arbor

When one hears the names Henry Ford and Albert Kahn, what comes to mind? Model T’s and assembly lines? Prestigious homes and significant structures? The Milford Powerhouse brought these two names together to tell a different story…

Originally known as the Pettibone Creek Hydroelectric Station , the history of the Milford Powerhouse is one about advancements in technology, what happens when technology becomes obsolete, and the need to preserve and restore our important architectural structures.

On Thursday, June 5th I had the opportunity to attend a gala event hosted at the Powerhouse. The event showcased local student work inspired by the Powerhouse such as interpretive art, paintings, chalk drawings, CAD drawings, pottery, and more. In speaking with Judith Reiter, who lead the restoration of the Powerhouse and the management of its events today, Mrs. Reiter shared that this educational aspect is one of the most integral elements of the building’s restoration and use. She often hosts tours of the facility for second graders through high schoolers. At a recent tour, she was excited to see the awe-struck faces of the second grade students as they viewed the inner workings of the Powerhouse (see images below).

However, education is not all that is in the future of the Powerhouse. Mrs. Reiter expressed that the Powerhouse can and should be reinstated as a hydro-electric power producer. Unfortunately, having the facility reinstated for this use is a time-consuming process. In this time of looking for renewable energy sources, the Powerhouse offers a great alternative energy source. The structure is an integral part of the dam at Pettibone Creek and water still runs through the building at rapid force. The possibilities are great – even as a source of power for street lighting or electricity for the nearby Central Park. With the potential of the Powerhouse as both an electricity producer and education feature in Milford, it becomes obvious why its restoration was so important. The unique creation by Albert Kahn and Henry Ford has the potential to bring history to life in the Village of Milford.