Detroit may be tearing down what remains of its historic Packard Plant, but the city intends to honour the building's place in automotive history.
The next phase at 5409 Concord Avenue starts at 2 p.m. on Monday.
Emergency demolition started on the first part of the plant at 6199 Concord Avenue in September 2022. A few months later, demolition crews tore down a second section at 1539 E. Grand Boulevard to make way for new development.
The City of Detroit took over 33 additional parcels of land in 2022 when they went into tax foreclosure. The previous owner, Fernando Palazuelo's Art Express, owed $1.5-million USD in unpaid taxes, water drainage costs, and blight tickets.
"The demolition of the Packard Plant represents more than just the removal of dilapidated structures," said LaJuan Counts, the director of the Detroit Construction and Demolition Department. "It symbolizes Detroit's resilience and its commitment to revitalization. As we look to a new era for this site, we honour the history of the old Packard Plant while embracing future possibilities for our city."
When it was operational, the Packard Plant spanned 3.5 million sq. ft. of land on Detroit's east side.
As it fell into disrepair, it became a popular place for photographers to document blight in the city.
