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Ford Motor Company Presents City of Dearborn Project With $5,000,000 Gift

13 December 1999

Ford Motor Company Presents City of Dearborn Project With $5,000,000 Gift

    DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 13 -- In a historic display of
corporate citizenship, Ford Motor Company and Dearborn Mayor Michael
A. Guido today announced a gift of $5,000,000 from the world's third-largest
corporation that will be invested toward the $43 million renovation and
expansion of the City's Recreation and Performing Arts Center.
    As an expression of his City's appreciation, Mayor Guido has offered Ford
Motor Company the opportunity to name the facility.  It will be known as the
Ford Community and Performing Arts Center.
    In announcing the gift -- one of the largest of its kind ever bestowed by
Ford Motor Company -- Company Chairman William Clay Ford, Jr., said:  "Ford
Motor Company is pleased to work with Mayor Guido and the City of Dearborn and
Henry Ford Academy to provide cultural and educational resources for our
community.  Mayor Guido's vision and effective leadership fits well with our
philosophy, as a business, of finding innovative ways to help enrich the lives
of people in our neighborhoods."
    The new community center, to be completed in mid-2001, is setting new
standards in architectural design and recreational and cultural arts
amenities.  Here's an overview of the major attractions to be offered:
    *  A 1,200-seat theater with a grand staircase, a surrounding balcony and
       a museum-quality art gallery;
    *  State-of-the-art sound and lighting systems and a hydraulic orchestra
       lift for professional touring show compatibility;
    *  Private boxes and side arm balconies, making the theater more
       conductive to formal presentations;
    *  A 200-seat "black box" multi-purpose facility for small theater
       productions, business presentations or events such as wedding
       receptions;
    *  A great hall providing space for weddings, banquets, concerts, and the
       like;
    *  Aerobic and dance studios to meet the growing demand for dance and
       aerobic exercise;
    *  Comprehensive and improved Senior Citizen programs and services, such
       as wellness classes and Senior Theater;
    *  A state-of-the-art year-round family aquatics center with two pools
       that will augment Dearborn's eight outdoor neighborhood pools:  a full
       lap pool; and a "lazy river pool" with a slide and "zero-depth" entry;
    *  A whirlpool spa, with seating for 12;
    *  Double gymnasium with an indoor running track;
    *  Strength and cardiovascular equipment;
    *  An indoor rock climbing wall;
    *  New baseball fields;
    *  Facilities for overnight retreats;
    *  Wet classrooms; and,
    *  An outdoor lounge area

    Although the former Civic Center -- built in the mid-1950s -- was a very
popular place for Dearbornites to gather, it was in serious need of updating.
    In 1996, residents made it clear by voting more than a 2 to 1 margin, that
they wanted to build additional space, create more cultural arts programs,
provide enhanced facilities for Senior Citizens, and offer a greater variety
of recreational programs.
    With the final enhancements and specifications in place, the construction
budget is set at $37 million dollars.  This, plus additional costs such as
construction and architectural management services, places the projected total
budget at $43 million.
    Mayor Michael A. Guido, said:  "I am deeply grateful to Ford Motor Company
for its generous gift to the people of Dearborn.  Even before making this
donation, Ford Motor Company has demonstrated its support of what we are doing
to make Dearborn a greater place to live, work and raise a family.  The
Hometown of Henry Ford is proud to still be home to the company that put the
world on wheels, even as it understands the importance of community and
neighborhoods."