Posted in Detroit November 08, 2016 by

This Abandoned Midwestern Factory Is An Eerie Reminder Of America’s Industrial Past

There’s nothing so haunting as seeing a once-bustling place decay into a silent and gloomy shell. This automobile plant used to churn out high-end vehicles for America’s elite. Now, it’s falling apart at the seams.

This abandoned car factory in Detroit once manufactured luxury Packard cars.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
It’s an absolutely massive site: the plant is over 3.5 million-square-feet, and located on East Grand Boulevard.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
It first opened in 1908, and was considered the first modern automobile manufacturing facility.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
Skilled craftsmen worked within its walls, practicing over 80 different trades.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
The factory was was abandoned in 1958 due to the company’s mounting financial troubles.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
The plant’s bones are made of reinforced concrete, which is one reason why the structure has withstood almost 60 years of exposure to the elements.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
Even so, today the building is in an advanced state of decay.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
Vandals and graffiti artists have laid claim to the enormous building, covering the walls and ceilings with bright colors and symbols.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
Outside material also seems to have been dragged into the plant, such as this marooned boat.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
It's hard to say how long this place will stand.
Flickr/Thomas Hawk

There are currently efforts underway to demolish parts of the plant and restore some sections. Work began officially in 2014, but the project has stalled numerous times due to financing problems. Perhaps someday, the Packard plant will come to life once more.

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