Photography by Isaac Maiselman Photography
Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection is a minimalist hotel renovation located in Dearborn, Michigan, designed by Ford Land in collaboration with AvroKO, Dash Design, Kraemer Design Group, and Quinn Evans as restoration architect. The restoration preserved storied elements per Ford family request including checkerboard Italian marble flooring Henry Ford selected, stately green marble fireplace, and antique clock lending regality to the lobby space. The design honors Michigan's craftsmanship legacy through eclectic mix of original Michigan-made designs including Platner chairs and bespoke local artisan pieces contrasting with checkered marble continuing throughout. A customized photo booth transformed from original phone booth resembles the historic Ford Tri-Motor airplane, allowing guests to commemorate visits through vintage-style passport photos.
Photography by Isaac Maiselman Photography
Ford Archives artifacts curated by Farmboy appear throughout the property including guest scrapbooks featuring honeymoon letters and vintage menus with Walt Disney's signature. Corridor carpeting draws inspiration from Loja Saarinen's Cranbrook Academy of Art tapestries representing Michigan craft tradition. The 135 guest rooms balance refined elegance with warm comfort through four-poster walnut beds and Eames chairs while Ford Pantone blue bathroom tiles and company archive-inspired artwork weave Ford legacy throughout. Personalized voicemail greetings and open sketchbooks for creative sparks enhance guest experience alongside 19 suites and Presidential Suite featuring living room, kitchenette, and dining area.
Photography by Isaac Maiselman Photography
Clara's Table restaurant pays tribute to Clara Ford's horticulture passion and gracious hosting through Executive Chef Elliot Patti's Americana cuisine influenced by the Fords' global travels. Fresh herbs from on-site chef's garden and seasonal Michigan ingredients ensure evolving farm-to-table experiences. The restaurant design complements restored green marble through lush plants, fresh flowers, and herbs adorning tables bathed in natural light from arched windows surrounding the dining room.
Photography by Isaac Maiselman Photography
Four Vagabonds cocktail bar channels Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, John Burroughs, and Harvey Firestone's legendary early 1900s road trips through design mimicking Ford's study. Small plates inspired by campfire dining including smoked meats and house-pickled vegetables accompany craft cocktails named for Vagabond adventures. The private dining room accommodating twenty guests features Detroit artist Ryan Herberholz's mural depicting Four Vagabonds amidst autumnal landscape while Chef Patti curates bespoke experiences with leather-bound book-style menus.
