Mill Run Project

Wayne County's Parks Division and Economic Development Corporation announced an initiative in 2018 to seek partners to redevelop three historic mills once operated by Henry Ford along the Middle Rouge River.

The Mill Run Project envisions transforming these sites, currently owned by the County but not publicly accessible, into destination attractions with public uses and interpretative space as well as better connections between the mill properties' green spaces and Hines Park trails and facilities.

On this WayneCounty.com page, you will find detailed information about the history of the mills, plans to reactivate them, as well as updates about community events and news of the project's progress.

Preserving History, Improving Wayne County Parks



A message from Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans

Greetings,

As an avid outdoorsman who is never happier than when I'm fishing or riding horses with my grandchildren, I believe that caring for the Wayne County Parks system is among my most important responsibilities as County Executive. Space for recreation is critical to the quality of life for all residents and I know Hines Park is a reason many residents choose to live in Western Wayne County.
With that in mind, I'm pleased that the Wayne County Commission has approved purchase and development agreements for the historic Wilcox and Newburgh mills. These two former Ford Motor Company facilities, as well as the Phoenix Mill site, will be rehabilitated and opened for public use to preserve their history and improve connectivity between Hines Park and surrounding communities. This plan, dubbed "Mill Run," has three goals:

  1. Activate park space that is currently underused and, ultimately, expand the 2,300 acres of Hines Park with the addition of at least 16.73 acres to the Hines Park footprint;
  2. Incorporate Hines Park into a broader effort to better connect parks and trails with the communities around them; and
  3. Reuse three historic mill properties built by Henry Ford before they are lost for good.

Additionally, Nankin Mills, which serves as Wayne County Parks' headquarters and as an interpretive space, recently completed an $800,000 renovation. This project greatly enhances the visitor experience with improved, hands-on exhibits and displays. We intend to continue making improvements to Nankin, so that it will remain Wayne County Parks' flagship facility for future generations.

The decision to sell Newburgh and Wilcox, legacy manufacturing properties underutilized by Wayne County for 70 years, was not made lightly. We concluded this is the most effective way to protect them and the history they represent. The new owners are required, as a condition of any sale, to maintain public green space and public access to the property in perpetuity.

We deliberately sought partners who are interested in contextual projects that will complement and enhance Hines Park. Additionally, the agreements for both Newburgh and Wilcox give Wayne County the "right of first refusal" to protect the public interest in these spaces. Essentially, this means the County has the right to repurchase the properties if the new owners ever seek to resell them.

With Commission's approval and after an extensive due diligence process, Wilcox Mill will be sold to the Mill on Rouge LLC and Newburgh Mill will be sold to Newburg Mill LLC. Both developers have community-supported plans for the properties that celebrate history and provide amenities to Hines Park.

Mill on Rouge LLC, in partnership with Tony Roko and The Art Foundation, will rehabilitate Wilcox Mill into an art education space with a publicly-accessible "inner child sculpture garden" on the surrounding property. Newburg Mill LLC, created by local developer Richard Cox, envisions restoring Newburgh Mill into a distillery as well as a spiral-shaped park space, meant to reflect the automotive parts once manufactured on the site. Mr. Cox, who restored Northville's Ford Valve Plant in 1994 and operates that space as the "Water Wheel Centre Building" has also begun rehabilitating Phoenix Mill as an event space with publicly-accessible parkland surrounding the building.

I am personally very excited to watch as these historic properties are transformed from eyesores to community assets. The rehabilitated mill properties will be destination attractions along Hines Park's trails for bicyclists, runners, and history enthusiasts. The revenue from the sale of Mill Run properties will be reinvested into the infrastructure that supports the park.

Among southeast Michigan counties, Wayne County ranks last in terms of trail miles per 1,000 residents. This plan will create more trail miles and better connect our trails with each other and with the state's larger network of recreation trails.

I strongly believe the Mill Run plan will strengthen Hines Park as a world-class regional destination for recreation. Hines Park is one of Wayne County's jewels. I believe the Mill Run project can make it shine that much brighter.

Sincerely,

Warren C. Evans

Wayne County's Parks Division and Economic Development Corporation announced an initiative in 2018 to seek partners to redevelop three historic mills once operated by Henry Ford along the Middle Rouge River.

The Mill Run Project envisions transforming these sites, currently owned by the County but not publicly accessible, into destination attractions with public uses and interpretative space as well as better connections between the mill properties' green spaces and Hines Park trails and facilities.

On this WayneCounty.com page, you will find detailed information about the history of the mills, plans to reactivate them, as well as updates about community events and news of the project's progress.

Preserving History, Improving Wayne County Parks



A message from Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans

Greetings,

As an avid outdoorsman who is never happier than when I'm fishing or riding horses with my grandchildren, I believe that caring for the Wayne County Parks system is among my most important responsibilities as County Executive. Space for recreation is critical to the quality of life for all residents and I know Hines Park is a reason many residents choose to live in Western Wayne County.
With that in mind, I'm pleased that the Wayne County Commission has approved purchase and development agreements for the historic Wilcox and Newburgh mills. These two former Ford Motor Company facilities, as well as the Phoenix Mill site, will be rehabilitated and opened for public use to preserve their history and improve connectivity between Hines Park and surrounding communities. This plan, dubbed "Mill Run," has three goals:

  1. Activate park space that is currently underused and, ultimately, expand the 2,300 acres of Hines Park with the addition of at least 16.73 acres to the Hines Park footprint;
  2. Incorporate Hines Park into a broader effort to better connect parks and trails with the communities around them; and
  3. Reuse three historic mill properties built by Henry Ford before they are lost for good.

Additionally, Nankin Mills, which serves as Wayne County Parks' headquarters and as an interpretive space, recently completed an $800,000 renovation. This project greatly enhances the visitor experience with improved, hands-on exhibits and displays. We intend to continue making improvements to Nankin, so that it will remain Wayne County Parks' flagship facility for future generations.

The decision to sell Newburgh and Wilcox, legacy manufacturing properties underutilized by Wayne County for 70 years, was not made lightly. We concluded this is the most effective way to protect them and the history they represent. The new owners are required, as a condition of any sale, to maintain public green space and public access to the property in perpetuity.

We deliberately sought partners who are interested in contextual projects that will complement and enhance Hines Park. Additionally, the agreements for both Newburgh and Wilcox give Wayne County the "right of first refusal" to protect the public interest in these spaces. Essentially, this means the County has the right to repurchase the properties if the new owners ever seek to resell them.

With Commission's approval and after an extensive due diligence process, Wilcox Mill will be sold to the Mill on Rouge LLC and Newburgh Mill will be sold to Newburg Mill LLC. Both developers have community-supported plans for the properties that celebrate history and provide amenities to Hines Park.

Mill on Rouge LLC, in partnership with Tony Roko and The Art Foundation, will rehabilitate Wilcox Mill into an art education space with a publicly-accessible "inner child sculpture garden" on the surrounding property. Newburg Mill LLC, created by local developer Richard Cox, envisions restoring Newburgh Mill into a distillery as well as a spiral-shaped park space, meant to reflect the automotive parts once manufactured on the site. Mr. Cox, who restored Northville's Ford Valve Plant in 1994 and operates that space as the "Water Wheel Centre Building" has also begun rehabilitating Phoenix Mill as an event space with publicly-accessible parkland surrounding the building.

I am personally very excited to watch as these historic properties are transformed from eyesores to community assets. The rehabilitated mill properties will be destination attractions along Hines Park's trails for bicyclists, runners, and history enthusiasts. The revenue from the sale of Mill Run properties will be reinvested into the infrastructure that supports the park.

Among southeast Michigan counties, Wayne County ranks last in terms of trail miles per 1,000 residents. This plan will create more trail miles and better connect our trails with each other and with the state's larger network of recreation trails.

I strongly believe the Mill Run plan will strengthen Hines Park as a world-class regional destination for recreation. Hines Park is one of Wayne County's jewels. I believe the Mill Run project can make it shine that much brighter.

Sincerely,

Warren C. Evans

  • Hometown Life: Art Foundation pitches plan for arts complex at former Ford mill in Plymouth

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    Hometown Life reports on Tony Roko and the Art Foundation's proposed vision for the Wilcox Mill in Plymouth.

    Hometown Life: The plan would include sculptures designed by Wayne County children and crafted by local artists that would dot the landscape, and the interior of the mill would turn into an art gallery, a space for art workshops and classes and the headquarters for the Art Foundation, which is currently inside the Plymouth Arts and Recreation Complex.

    "Based on our research so far, it'll be the first of its kind," said Greg Hoffman, the executive director of the Art Foundation.

    Hometown Life reports on Tony Roko and the Art Foundation's proposed vision for the Wilcox Mill in Plymouth.

    Hometown Life: The plan would include sculptures designed by Wayne County children and crafted by local artists that would dot the landscape, and the interior of the mill would turn into an art gallery, a space for art workshops and classes and the headquarters for the Art Foundation, which is currently inside the Plymouth Arts and Recreation Complex.

    "Based on our research so far, it'll be the first of its kind," said Greg Hoffman, the executive director of the Art Foundation. "There are examples of child-designed sculptures around, but not necessarily a full park around that."

    More details on the project are expected to be revealed at a public meeting about the proposal, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Penn Theatre at 760 Penniman in downtown Plymouth. There, representatives from both the Art Foundation and Wayne County will be on hand to answer questions and showcase the project and its plans.


    Read the Full Article

  • Hour Detroit: Inside Artist Tony Roko's Plan to Transform a Historic Plymouth Mill

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    Hour Detroit reports on Tony Roko and the Art Foundation's proposed vision for the Wilcox Mill in Plymouth.

    Hour Detroit: Furthermore, the county has deed restrictions that will be able to protect the mills in perpetuity, says Annie Rubel, a preservationist at Clara and Henry Ford's Dearborn estate who's been involved in fact-gathering for Roko's project. "There's no reason to be concerned that future owners could put in a gas station or Starbucks or condos. It is unfortunate to me that this particular project is being hijacked as a symbol of corruption and Not In My Backyard-ism because

    Hour Detroit reports on Tony Roko and the Art Foundation's proposed vision for the Wilcox Mill in Plymouth.

    Hour Detroit: Furthermore, the county has deed restrictions that will be able to protect the mills in perpetuity, says Annie Rubel, a preservationist at Clara and Henry Ford's Dearborn estate who's been involved in fact-gathering for Roko's project. "There's no reason to be concerned that future owners could put in a gas station or Starbucks or condos. It is unfortunate to me that this particular project is being hijacked as a symbol of corruption and Not In My Backyard-ism because the actual facts and intentions of Tony, Greg, and the County Executive's office point to this being a win for all those involved, including the folks who are against the project, ironically."

    Roko's project will come up for consideration before the Wayne County Commission in the fall. The most likely route will be through a public meeting of the 15-member commission's Committee of the Whole, and reviewing terms with Rahal and his economic development team. The committee would then pass the bid to the full commission for final approval. If approved, the actual construction could start next summer, with a five-year timeline.

  • Historic Wilcox, Newburgh mills sale approved, closer to reinvention

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    Redeveloping former Ford Motor Company mills will enhance Hines Park, better connect communities


    DETROIT - The Wayne County Commission today approved Purchase and Development Agreements for the Wilcox Mill, located in the city of Plymouth, and Newburgh Mill, located in Livonia, properties adjacent to Hines Park. The sales passed by a vote of 11-3. The Commission also approved an agreement for the County to acquire 16.73 acres in Westland from the Wayne County Land Bank that will be added to the Hines Park footprint.

    As part of the purchase and development agreements for both Wilcox and Newburgh, the County retains
    Redeveloping former Ford Motor Company mills will enhance Hines Park, better connect communities


    DETROIT - The Wayne County Commission today approved Purchase and Development Agreements for the Wilcox Mill, located in the city of Plymouth, and Newburgh Mill, located in Livonia, properties adjacent to Hines Park. The sales passed by a vote of 11-3. The Commission also approved an agreement for the County to acquire 16.73 acres in Westland from the Wayne County Land Bank that will be added to the Hines Park footprint.

    As part of the purchase and development agreements for both Wilcox and Newburgh, the County retains first right of refusal to repurchase the property should the new owners decide to sell them in the future. The sale price for 4.3-acre Wilcox site is $360,000 and $405,000 for the 1.8-acre Newburgh site. Revenue from the sales will be reinvested into Wayne County Parks.

    "This deal allows the transformation of the mills from eyesores into true community assets for Plymouth and Livonia while preserving an important part of our history," said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. "These projects also ensure the land surrounding the mills becomes publicly accessible and better connects Hines Park with surrounding communities."

    Wilcox Mill will be purchased by Mill on Rouge LLC created by local artist Tony Roko and the Art Foundation. They plan to rehabilitate the building into an art education space and construct a publicly-accessible "inner child sculpture garden" on the surrounding land that displays three-dimension realizations of children's drawings.

    Newburgh Mill will be purchased by Newburg Mill LLC operated by local developer Richard Cox. Once renovated, Newburgh Mill is expected to be a distillery with additional retail space as well as park space in the shape of a spiral, meant to reflect the automotive parts once manufactured on the site. Cox is responsible for the successful rehabilitation of the Northville Mill into modern office space. He also purchased Phoenix Mill in Plymouth Township from Wayne County in 2018 and has begun rehabilitating that property into an event facility with public green space.

    "We were at risk of losing these mills forever. These are the product of a collaborative effort to identify redevelopment solutions for these mills," said Assistant County Executive Khalil Rahal. "Our economic development team, Wayne County Parks, local leaders, and community stakeholders worked together throughout this process to ensure we crafted the right deal for both properties."

    Wilcox and Newburgh mills as well as Phoenix Mill and Nankin Mills were part of the "Ford Village Industries" network of parts factories located along the Middle Rouge River and were deeded to the County by the Ford Motor Company in 1948.

    Nankin Mills remains Wayne County property and houses the Parks Division's offices and an interpretive center, which recently underwent an approximately $800,000 renovation. The remaining three mills were largely used by the County as administrative and storage space.

    "The mill properties were essentially inaccessible to the public for more than 70 years," said Evans. "These deals ensure the development connects it with local communities and the larger network of non-motorized trails as well as enhances Hines Park with unique destinations that will celebrate our heritage."

    The sale of Newburgh and Wilcox was unanimously approved 7-0 by the Commission's Committee of Public Services on Tuesday, November 26. As part of the purchase agreement Wayne County acquires 16.73 acres of the former Hawthorne Valley Golf Course property in Westland and is required to maintain the property as a park creating pedestrian trails and other recreation or conservation improvements.

    "Acquiring additional park space will provide increased connections to Hines Park and recreational benefits to the community," said Beverly Watts, Director of Public Services for Wayne County. "This type of initiative supports the vision of our strategic master plan and future planning of our parks."

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Page published: 20 May 2024, 02:18 PM