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Timeline

1920: Henry Ford purchases Phoenix Mill and Wilcox Mill properties, among the first of Ford's "Village Industries" sites.

1922: Construction completed on new Phoenix Mill production facility.

1923: Construction completed on new Wilcox Mill production facility.

1933: Henry Ford purchases Newburgh Mill property.

1935: Construction completed on new Newburgh Mill production facility.

November 29, 1948: Ford Motor Company transfers ownership of Phoenix and Newburgh Mill properties to Wayne County Road Commission.

January 21, 1949: Ford Motor Company also releases all deed restrictions on Wilcox Mill property through Quit Claim Deed.

1948-2007: Phoenix Mill property is used as Wayne County Road Commission's Sign Shop and headquarters for Bridges Division.

1948-PRESENT: Wilcox Mill property is used by Wayne County as maintenance and storage facility.

1948-PRESENT: Newburgh Mill property is used as headquarters for Wayne County Forestry Division and the Sheriff's Mounted Division.

1990: Wilcox Mill is considered for site of new arts center proposed by the Plymouth Community Arts Council, but wasn't ultimately selected.

May 22, 2018: Critical Mass, LLC signs a Purchase and Development Agreement for Phoenix Mill. The agreement requires them to rehabilitate the building while respecting the original styling envisioned by Ford and Kahn, and ensuring public access to the site. In addition to reactivating the space and celebrating its history, the Phoenix Mill development envisions better connecting the site's green space with Hines Park trails and facilities.

June 18, 2018: The Wayne County Executive's Office transmits draft purchase agreement between Wayne County and Critical Mass, LLC for the sale of the Phoenix Mill property for their review.

September 11, 2018: The Wayne County Commission's Economic Development Committee votes to recommend approval of the sale of Phoenix Mill to Critical Mass, LLC.

September 20, 2018: The Wayne County Commission votes to approve the sale of Phoenix Mill.

September 25, 2018: The Wayne County Commission's Economic Development Committee votes to recommend approval of the Phoenix Mill Development Agreement Addendum, which includes protections and restrictions safeguarding the historic resource and ensuring public park access in perpetuity.

October 4, 2018: The Wayne County Commission votes to approve the Phoenix Mill Development Agreement Addendum.

2018-9: Wayne County markets Wilcox Mill and Newburgh Mill properties to potential development partners to restore the properties, incorporating public uses and interpretive space. In addition to reactivating the space and celebrating its history, these development will be expected to better connect the sites' green space with Hines Park trails and facilities.