The Dearborn Inn
Window Restoration, Door Restoration
Historical Background
In 1931, Henry Ford commissioned architect Albert Kahn to design The Dearborn Inn. In his typical fashion, Ford took an active part in the development of the hotel. The Dearborn Inn is situated on a 23-acre site on Oakwood Boulevard across the street at the time of the Ford Airport. At the same time, Ford was producing and selling the tri-motor plane for cargo and the early start of commercial airline flight. This hotel was the first of its kind connected to an airport. Ford saw the need for the airport and hotel as many corporate travelers came to Dearborn on business with Ford Motor for the exploding world automotive markets. The airport was closed in 1933 and replaced by a vehicle test track. The hotel was finished and opened in July of 1931 and Henry Ford was the first person to sign the guest book.
A unique aspect of the hotel is five replica homes constructed in 1937, creating a small colonial village on the backside of the property. This added 31 guestrooms to the Inn. The structures are reproductions of the homes of famous Americans: Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, Barbara Fritchic, Oliver Wolcott, and Patrick Henry. The five cottages are well maintained and still used as guest rooms today.
The Dearborn Inn secured its place in hospitality history with many industry "firsts.” In 1937, it became the nation's first hotel to have air conditioning, and 1961 was the first hotel in Michigan to install a direct dial telephone system for guests. The innovation of the hotel offered families many popular activities such as ballroom dancing, racket sports, horseback riding, and a playground for children.
On December 10, 1982, the National Park Service placed The Dearborn Inn on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1987, the hotel went through an extensive renovation and expansion increasing the facility's size, refurbishing guest rooms, enlarged banquet areas, and the exterior landscaping. Great care was taken to maintain the hotel's historic character and details. In 1989, the hotel was reopened and managed by Marriott International.
BlackBerry's Role
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BlackBerry provided an on-site review of all window and door openings evaluating existing conditions, creating a full window component survey report, and determining restoration scope and proposed work methods.
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BlackBerry worked closely with the historic architect, Kraemer Design Group, to determine the final work methodology and techniques to approach the work to comply with SHPO and NPS guidelines.
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Our scope of work included abatement of all lead paint and asbestos caulking and glazing compound, full restoration of all window master frames and sashes, as well as all entry door master frames, door panels, and hardware. All wood components were fully stripped, epoxy patched, joinery repaired, and primed/ painted, reglazed with new glass and restored hardware
Current Use
The Dearborn Inn is owned by the Ford Motor Land Development company and operated and managed by Marriott International. The hotel went through its most recent renovation which was completed in March of 2025. It is part of Marriott's Autograph Collection Division. AAA has recognized it as one of the top 10 U.S. historic hotels. The entire facility was completely renovated and restored including all guest rooms, common areas, dining and bar venues. The exterior of the building as well as the grounds and parking areas were included. The property is two blocks from the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. It welcomes business travelers from around the world as well as local events and gatherings.
Project Team
- Owner: Ford Motor Land Development Company
- Architect: Kraemer Design Group
- Construction Manager: PCI/Daily Construction
- Completed 2025
