The Mill Race Historic Village (MRV) is a group of eight 19th Century buildings that are up to 180 years old that were slated for demolition during a period of commercial development in the 1970s in Northville. The buildings were moved to land donated to the City of Northville by the Ford Motor Co. and restored by volunteers of the Northville Historical Society (NHS) to form a mini Victorian-era Greenfield Village set in a scenic environment. https://www.millracenorthville.org/
The purpose was to capture and preserve a cross section of Northville’s history that would provide an educational and cultural experience for generations to come. The Village is operated and maintained only by the NHS volunteers with minimal assistance from the City.
The buildings are clustered on both sides of a 450-foot-long gravel lane that has been in place for about 50 years. While this surface was initially installed due to its low cost, over the years it has filled with organics and dirt to the point that it is now a hard pack surface that, while acceptable in dry weather, becomes a muddy mess in wet weather. And without proper drainage has many puddles, potholes in summer and dangerous ice patches in winter.
The goal for site enhancements is to make improvements to key features and maintain the historical nature of the village and consider best management practices for sustainability, the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (EGLE) for habitat restoration, and historical sources for garden design.
In addition to the original historical consideration and because the MRV’s popularity for
contemporary events (weddings, business meetings, photography) is an important source
of revenue attention to modern aesthetics adds value.
The NHS Board of Directors (BOD) is soliciting proposals to assist them with planning and design of the following:
• The current lane (gravel road) traversing the Village property is in disrepair with areas of poor drainage. The BOD has considered options and is preferring brick pavers. This will also alleviate muddy conditions during rain events and melting snow and would correct necessary continued maintenance.
• Implement the use of Bioswales and Raingardens to minimize sediments and contaminants from entering the Middle Rouge River Waters.
• Overall drainage consulting.
• Follow the MRV Masterplan goals (see document attached).
