Dearborn in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Preserving Fair Lane — An Iconic American Estate

Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 5, 2016

1. Preserving Fair Lane — An Iconic American Estate Marker

Inscription. Building a New Foundation When the Powerhouse was constructed in 1914, it was a rare engineering and architectural feat. It included a hydroelectric power plant that provided power to the estate. It also contained sophisticated water filtration and boiler systems. Even with the greatest technology in place, these systems have a lifespan, often accelerated by Mother Nature.

The Garage Courtyard was a bricked area used to accommodate the entering and exiting of automobiles. Constructed of concrete, sand and a top layer of brick pavers, time has witnessed the movement of the sand foundation - resulting in several collapsed areas.

The Lower Courtyard originally contained two storage tanks for automobile fuel. The tanks have been removed and the Courtyard is being reconstructed.

Both Courtyards are being reconstructed to ensure stability, visitor safety and to authentically recreate the appearance of these important service areas.

The Power of Water Although water played an important role in the original siting of the estate, it has become the estate's worst enemy. Many of the current issues that must be addressed

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to preserve the buildings and their interiors for future generations have been caused by water infiltration. Many of the original water drainage lines have been replaced to ensure proper drainage and water removal.

The flat roof of the Powerhouse has experienced ongoing water infiltration issues and a new roofing system is being installed.

Restoration in Action In 2014, Quinn Evans Architects, SmithGroupJJR and Henry Ford Estate staff conducted research and developed plans to restore aspects of the Powerhouse area to improve the visitor experience and provide much needed protection from water damage. Major components include:
• Installation of new underground storm water, sanitary and potable water lines
• Replacement of missing or damaged copper gutters and downspouts
• Reconstruction of Powerhouse flat roof and decorative wood trellis
• Rebuilding of failed external stone retaining walls and brick courtyards
• Reconstruction of external stairways and metal safety railing at multiple locations.

Work started in early 2015 and is scheduled to be concluded by the end of 2015.

Erected by Henry Ford Estate.

Topics.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 14, 2016

2. Preserving Fair Lane — An Iconic American Estate Marker

Powerhouse showing garage entrance and upper courtyard, June 9, 1928

This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.

Location. 42° 18.806′ N, 83° 13.885′ W. Marker is in Dearborn, Michigan, in Wayne County. It can be reached from Fair Lane Drive 0.2 miles west of Evergreen Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Fair Lane Drive, Dearborn MI 48128, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan

and in Greater Detroit.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Restoring Fair Lane Infrastructure (a few steps from this marker); Restoring Fair Lane Gardens (within shouting distance of this marker); What Happened to the Lilacs? (within shouting distance of this marker); Compost Then and Now (within shouting distance of this marker);

Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 14, 2016

3. Preserving Fair Lane — An Iconic American Estate Marker

Powerhouse showing lower courtyard, ca. 1935

In Honor of Friendship (within shouting distance of this marker); Harnessing Nature's Energy (within shouting distance of this marker); Nature's Refrigeration (within shouting distance of this marker); Restoring Fair Lane Landscape (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dearborn.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 14, 2016

4. Preserving Fair Lane — An Iconic American Estate Marker

Cross section drawing of Powerhouse

Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 14, 2016

5. Preserving Fair Lane — An Iconic American Estate Marker

Rebuilding of failed retaining walls, drains and stairways

Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 14, 2016

6. Preserving Fair Lane — An Iconic American Estate Marker

Installation of new flat roof system

Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 14, 2016

7. Preserving Fair Lane — An Iconic American Estate Marker

Workers inspecting integrity of exterior wood detailing

Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 14, 2016

8. Preserving Fair Lane — An Iconic American Estate Marker

Repair of historic exterior wood detailing

Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 14, 2016

9. Preserving Fair Lane — An Iconic American Estate Marker

View of Lower Courtyard demolition from Powerhouse

Preserving Fair Lane — An Iconic American Estate Marker and Powerhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, August 4, 2016

10. Preserving Fair Lane — An Iconic American Estate Marker and Powerhouse

Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 450 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 5, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 15, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on August 16, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.