by
A new phase of demolition began Monday (Photo: Screenshot from WDIV video)
The blighted Packard Plant on Detroit's east side that stopped producing cars in 1956, is expected to be razed by year's end to make way for a possible auto supplier.
On Monday, the city launched a new phase of demolition for the 3.5 million-square-foot plant at 1580 E. Grand Blvd., and marked the latest initiative with a celebratory press conference attended by politicians including Mayor Mike Duggan and Detroit City Coucil President Mary Sheffield.
"Our economic development department in the next two months is going to be putting out proposals for a new auto supplier for this site," Duggan said. "We are just yards away from GM's Factory Zero."
Duggan said the city was able to move forward with the project thanks to President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan, which is designed to give states money for projects to help stimulate the economy and improve upon the infrastructure and economic development.
Peru-based developer Fernando Palazuelo bought the abandoned plant for $405,000 at the 2013 Wayne County Tax Auction. He offered hope for a city that had long given up on the site. But his grand plans never materialized and the city eventually moved forward with plans to demolish the plant.
Today began the next phase of demolishing the Packard Plant Structure. For over 60 years this site has sat vacant, and today marks the beginning of a new future for this community. pic.twitter.com/jdFiOMm5Xd
— Mary Sheffield (@MsMarySheffield) March 4, 2024
