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The crane shed component of the Ford Motor building was instrumental in the innovative fabrication idea implemented. Partially assembled Model T's would arrive via railcar to the site, and a siding of the train line would pass directly into the building where an overheard "bridge crane" would unload components on the floor levels.Constructed as a vertical assembly line, vehicles would be worked on at various levels, and moved via the crane to the next level and stage of fabrication. Two large interior freight elevators were also used to move vehicles and material throughout the building.
North Elevation of the Crane Shed with the tracks below.
In the new facility, the Crane Shed still functions as the primary node for connecting floors and activities. Efforts to renovate and rehabilitate the Crane Shed were significant and posed multiple challenges throughout design and construction.
Photo by Joseph Elliot
Interior view of crane shed prior to construction. The lowest area here once had rail lines to convey railcars into the building for offloading.
Initial efforts within the crane shed included removing deteriorated glazing systems and roof panels. The roof trusses were reinforced at select areas to upgrade the structure to meet new code requirements.
Interior finishes within the Crane Shed with some exterior glazing underway. Like many projects, material supply chain shortages caused by the covid-19 pandemic posed challenges to the project team and sequencing.
Openings being prepared for new glazing system. Much of the concrete work on the steel frame had to be removed and reworked due to deterioration.
The south wall of the Crane Shed needed to be reconstructed entirely. The original structure and metal cladding had deteriorated due to extreme rust.
Crane Shed in its almost completed state. It looks so straight forward!
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