Auburn Hills Overview

Incorporated in 1983 (from Pontiac Township), the City of Auburn Hills is a community rich with history. The Civic Center property is home to many historical landmarks. The property is the former estate of millionaire real estate developer Wesson Seyburn, husband of Winifred Dodge, the oldest child of John F. Dodge. Seyburn once used the 37 acre estate as a weekend getaway.

The City acquired the property in late 1976 from developer Stanley Frankel for $142,000. Administrators and workers moved into the new facility from the old town hall at 2060 Opdyke Road. Since that time there have been modifications to the property and its buildings. What was once a barn and horse stables became the City's Administrative Offices. An old garage became the Council Chambers. The mansion is now the Community Center. As a result of the City preserving the buildings on the campus, Auburn Hills has been able to maintain its old fashioned charm.

While the City is expanding to meet the needs of its residents and businesses, Auburn Hills continues to strive to preserve its past.

Everyone in Michigan knows the Detroit Pistons call Auburn Hills Home. But not everyone knows the community is also home to over 900 other thriving businesses, ranging from retail to high-tech manufacturing, research and educational institutions.

Located 30 miles north of Detroit, in the heart of Oakland County, Auburn Hills is one of the fastest growing suburban cities in southeastern Michigan. Originally settled in the early 1800s, Auburn Hills' residential population is almost 20,000, but that number swells to about 35,000 during the workweek.

Situated along the busy corridor where M-59 and M-24 cross paths with 1-75, Auburn Hills offers easy highway access to the state's major urban markets and manufacturing centers, and is close to two airports.

One of the city council's early actions, in April 1985, was creation of Oakland Technology Park. The only tech park development in the state to be officially endorsed by the Michigan High Technology Task Force, the park is zoned specifically for research and development. Located on 1,100 acres within the city, the park borders Oakland University, Oakland Community College and Baker College.