by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
It’s been a Downtown landmark since the day it opened in 1924. For decades, the Ford Motor Company built automobiles at its riverfront factory near the Mathews Bridge. Later, the 180,000-square-foot structure was used as a distribution center for the automaker, but it has been empty for years.
Developer Sonny Redmond and three partners purchased the site 10 years ago. The original intent was to convert the factory into riverfront residences, but because of the economy, the project never got off the ground, he said.
Redmond took a look Friday at what a group of interior design students from the University of Florida would do with the building. Ideas included a hotel, office center, restaurant and even a cruise terminal.
Redmond said the students created their designs as a senior project and he was impressed with their work.
Part of senior design student Ashley Orr’s proposed plan was a hotel and cruise terminal. She said it’s the biggest project she has ever worked on and it was a challenge. “Doing this design really made me appreciate larger buildings,” said Orr.
Student Dorota Tomaszewska was inspired by recycling and designed her waterfront business center concept around shipping containers.
“We need to recycle these containers,” she said. “They are a sustainable solution and using the containers would cost less than building something.”
“I’ve seen some great ideas here,” said Redmond. “I don’t think a single plan is better than the others and many of their components have merit.”
Redmond said there were many options for the property, “so we’re always looking for ideas.”
Dorota Tomaszewska is studying interior design at the University of Florida.
Downtown’s Ford Motor Company assembly plant circa 1950.
Design student Amly Turmero.
The Ford Motor Company assembly plant near the Mathews Bridge.
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