Novi is a dynamic community that has been identified as the ideal location. Located in Southeastern Michigan, the population of Novi is approximately 52,000, consists of 31 sq. miles in prestigious Oakland County and is just twenty-five minutes from downtown Detroit.

A Brief History of Novi and The City’s Name

The City of Novi was incorporated in 1969 after the approval of a city charter by Village of Novi voters. The city was incorporated along the boundaries of the then-existing Village of Novi. The approval of incorporation and the city charter followed several previous attempts of incorporation that were rejected by Novi voters. In the 1970’s, the city annexed portions of Novi Township that had been detached from the Village of Novi after the village incorporated in 1958. A lengthy legal battle ensured between the city and the township which ultimately was decided by the Michigan Supreme Court in favor of the city. The legal disputes around the annexation battle were not fully resolved until 1984.

Historic Sites

• Jacob and Rebecca Fuerst Farmstead: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• Tollgate Farm: 160 acre farmstead and educational center.
• Colonel Samuel White Homestead: Site includes a Michigan Historical Marker
• Novi Depot: Portion of the original railroad depot constructed in 1971 for the Holly, Wayne and Monroe Railroad (currently CSC railroad)
• Historic Township Hall: Located adjacent to Jacob and Rebecca Fuerst Farmstead

The name Novi was taken from the township, which was organized in 1832 from Farmington Township. The name was offered by resident Dr. J.C. Emory, at the suggestion of his wife. Residents were reportedly looking for a shorter name than Farmington.

Several popular but historically inaccurate explanations have been given for the origin of the name Novi. One version is that it was named after the 5th tollgate (No. VI) on the Grand River toll road. However, the township was named in 1932 and the toll road was not constructed until the 1950’s. A similar claim is made about the township being stop number 6 on the railroad. However, the Holly, Wayne and Monroe (now CSX) railroad was not constructed through the township until 1870-1871, almost 40 years after it was named.