Woodward Avenue (M-1) - Automotive Heritage Trail
Pontiac, MI

Pontiac, Oakland County's government seat, is the northern terminus of Woodward Avenue, a 27-mile route that was completely paved by 1916.

The development if Pontiac paralleled that of many other "motor cities" which successfully transitioned from wagon, to carriage, to automobile manufacturing. A line of cars was even named after the city. That success is reflected in its outstanding architectural heritage both downtown and in residential neighborhoods, with many notable late Victorian and early 20th century structures.

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, established in 1885, is one of the earliest Gothic revival churches designed by Donaldson & Meier of Detroit. Many of Pontiac's auto pioneers were members of the parish and lived nearby in the Franklin Boulevard Historic District. The Modern Housing Corporation (circa 1919) is one of only a few residential subdivisions designed, financed and built by an automobile manufacturer. In addition, many early buildings that housed automobile manufacturing concerns still stand and are visible from Woodward.

By 1910, through consolidations, Pontiac became a one company town under General Motors Corporation. The population of Pontiac doubled over the next decade and continued its upward momentum for the next 40 years. GM remains the dominant employer in Pontiac today and is assisting with Pontiac's rebirth.

The downtown holds tremendous potential. Art galleries and nightlife abound. There are also many annual events held here including Arts, Beats, and Eats, Oakland county's premier festival celebrating art, cuisine, music, and humanity. Over half a million people attend this event held Labor Day weekend.

The GM Pontiac East Assembly plant is also nearby. annual production here is over 300,000 vehicles, roughly the same level of production found more than 75 years ago at the Ford Highland Park Plant further south on Woodward.