The Recreation Building

The Main Residence tells the story of how Eleanor and Edsel Ford lived. The Recreation Building tells the story of how they played.

Completed in 1929 and designed by Albert Kahn, the Recreation Building was built at the request of Eleanor and Edsel Ford as a support building near the outdoor pool, intended for informal entertainment and relaxation. It features a spacious sitting room with original furniture and a large fireplace, a small kitchen, and changing rooms. The squash court offered athletic recreation, and a pergola once extended from the sitting room toward the tennis court and pool, creating a seamless transition between indoor lounging and outdoor activity. The tennis court was eventually removed and replaced with a manicured lawn.

The building sits at the heart of the estate’s leisure landscape, adjacent to the outdoor pool and lagoon and with views toward Lake St. Clair. It reflects the same thoughtfulness Eleanor and Edsel Ford brought to every space on the estate: comfortable, considered, and built for the long use of a family.

The Recreation Building is open to visitors most of the year, with the exception of winter months and certain special events. It is included with any Ford House admission ticket. Current access information is available at the welcome desk or at fordhouse.org.