Village Arts Factory

In 2012, the Partnership for the Arts & Humanities, a 501(c)3 cultural arts organization, purchased a 14-acre parcel in Canton Township. This is the location of Henry Ford's 19th and final Village Industry, that includes a nationally historic dormitory and factory (built in 1943). Instead of off-season farmers like his other industries, these buildings offered housing, rehabilitation and training to disabled WWII veterans.

The Partnership's plan is to preserve and renovate both of the historic structures, along with a 32,000 square foot industrial warehouse. Their vision is to create a regional arts complex where people of all ages and cultures can gather. The dormitory will return to it's heritage by offering healing programs for local veterans. The factory will be repurposed for arts & education to be a satellite for a college or university. The warehouse will be offer visual artists leasing space for studios, gallery & boutique, along with a destination food & beverage service to compliment the array of entities on the property. The 8 areas of additional land will be pedestrian path and bike trails to a walkable downtown community and in the future, a neighboring county.