In reimagining the Ford House Visitor Center, the design team at SmithGroup aimed to honor the estate’s legacy while supporting the needs of a modern cultural institution. The 40,000-square-foot expansion includes a museum-quality exhibition hall, boutique retail shop, and lakeside restaurant—each brought to life with bespoke Carlisle Walnut flooring. With nearly 24,000 square feet installed across multiple applications, the flooring plays a central role in unifying spaces while elevating the visitor experience. 

Throughout the primary galleries and public areas, 10,840 square feet of smooth-surfaced Walnut planks were laid in a solid format. The 6-inch boards range from 2 to 9 feet in length and are finished with a clear satin coat to preserve the wood’s natural tone. Adjacent to these spaces, 13,094 square feet of 6-by-36-inch Herringbone flooring continues the Walnut palette with a structured, geometric sophistication. Installed with a double-groove profile, the pattern adds rhythm and refinement to areas designed for movement and gathering. 

Engineered for durability but grounded in traditional aesthetics, the flooring offers a seamless blend of craftsmanship and function. From immersive exhibitions to quiet corridors, Carlisle’s work supports the Ford House’s mission to create meaningful, enduring connections between people, place, and history.