It's finally time for the next phase of the Packard Plant.
This week, the city and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) released an RFP for redevelopment of site on the east side. The site is just over 37 acres and most of the plant is in the process of being torn down (part of a building on East Grand Boulevard will remain standing to honor its history). They're ideally looking for some sort of automotive manufacturer to take the site, which sits close to I-94.
“The redevelopment of the Packard Plant site represents a significant opportunity to bring new life to a historic property and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of Detroit’s automotive industry,” said Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, Chief Operating Officer of the DEGC. “We are excited to work with the City of Detroit and potential developers to create a project that will honor the legacy of the Packard Plant while driving economic growth and job creation in the area.”
Interested developers have until July 12 to submit proposals.
The Packard Plant was in operation from 1903-1958. Various redevelopment ideas had floated around since the 1990s. There was hope in the last 10 years, when Peruvian developer Fernando Palazuelo purchased the property. But the task was too great and plans fell behind, and the city sued Palazuelo in 2021. Demolition started in 2022 and should be complete by the end of the year.
