1 Fisher Body Plant 21, located on Piquette Avenue in Detroit, was built in 1919 as part of the Fisher Body Company, which supplied automobile bodies to General Motors (GM). This four-story, reinforced concrete structure was designed in a style characteristic of early 20th-century industrial architecture, emphasizing both functionality and durability. It quickly became a vital hub for producing car bodies, including for popular brands like Cadillac and Buick. Fisher Body was an influential name in the automotive industry, known for pioneering techniques in mass production. At its peak, Fisher Plant 21 employed hundreds of workers who contributed to Detroit’s burgeoning status as the "Motor City."
In 1926, Fisher Body was fully absorbed by General Motors, which continued to operate Plant 21 as a central manufacturing facility. During World War II, the plant shifted gears from car bodies to military production, reflecting Detroit's broader transformation into the "Arsenal of Democracy." After the war, Fisher Plant 21 returned to automobile manufacturing, contributing to the post-war boom in American car culture. However, as the automotive industry evolved, many older plants faced obsolescence, and Plant 21 eventually ceased production in the late 1970s.
In 1926, Fisher Body was fully absorbed by General Motors, which continued to operate Plant 21 as a central manufacturing facility. During World War II, the plant shifted gears from car bodies to military production, reflecting Detroit's broader transformation into the "Arsenal of Democracy." After the war, Fisher Plant 21 returned to automobile manufacturing, contributing to the post-war boom in American car culture. However, as the automotive industry evolved, many older plants faced obsolescence, and Plant 21 eventually ceased production in the late 1970s.
2 The Packard Pland, Detroit Michigan
The Packard Plant, located on East Grand Boulevard in Detroit, Michigan, was once a symbol of American industrial prowess. Opened in 1903 by the Packard Motor Car Company, the factory became one of the largest and most advanced automobile manufacturing plants of its time. Designed by the architect Albert Kahn, it was a sprawling complex covering over 40 acres, consisting of multiple buildings connected by an intricate system of railways and assembly lines. The plant was at the forefront of automotive innovation, producing luxury vehicles and employing thousands of workers. Throughout the early 20th century, Packard cars were synonymous with quality and craftsmanship, catering to an elite clientele. At its peak, the Packard Plant was a hub of activity, contributing significantly to Detroit’s status as the "Motor City."
However, the decline of the Packard Motor Car Company in the mid-20th century led to the eventual abandonment of the plant. By the 1950s, competition from other automakers, changing consumer tastes, and financial mismanagement led to Packard’s demise. In 1956, the company ceased operations at the plant, and the building fell into disrepair. Despite various attempts to revitalize the site, including plans for residential and commercial development, the Packard Plant remains a striking symbol of Detroit's industrial past. The site became an iconic ruin, attracting photographers, urban explorers, and those fascinated by the history of the automobile industry.
As of March 2025, all but 2 of the buildings have been demolished
The Packard Plant, located on East Grand Boulevard in Detroit, Michigan, was once a symbol of American industrial prowess. Opened in 1903 by the Packard Motor Car Company, the factory became one of the largest and most advanced automobile manufacturing plants of its time. Designed by the architect Albert Kahn, it was a sprawling complex covering over 40 acres, consisting of multiple buildings connected by an intricate system of railways and assembly lines. The plant was at the forefront of automotive innovation, producing luxury vehicles and employing thousands of workers. Throughout the early 20th century, Packard cars were synonymous with quality and craftsmanship, catering to an elite clientele. At its peak, the Packard Plant was a hub of activity, contributing significantly to Detroit’s status as the "Motor City."
However, the decline of the Packard Motor Car Company in the mid-20th century led to the eventual abandonment of the plant. By the 1950s, competition from other automakers, changing consumer tastes, and financial mismanagement led to Packard’s demise. In 1956, the company ceased operations at the plant, and the building fell into disrepair. Despite various attempts to revitalize the site, including plans for residential and commercial development, the Packard Plant remains a striking symbol of Detroit's industrial past. The site became an iconic ruin, attracting photographers, urban explorers, and those fascinated by the history of the automobile industry.
As of March 2025, all but 2 of the buildings have been demolished
3 Hudson Body Plant . Located at the corner of Conner and Gratiot Avenues, the plant was designed by famed architect Albert Kahn (who also designed Hudson's main factory) and was built in 1925 for a Hudson supplier. Hudson purchased the building in the late 1920's. Hudson bodies were fabricated in the building, then trucked down the street to the main assembly plant on Jefferson Avenue. Hudson closed the plant when they ended operations in Detroit in 1954. In 1956, General Motors purchased the building and it served as a Cadillac stamping plant until the Poletown plant opened in 1985.
4 Hudson Body Plant . Located at the corner of Conner and Gratiot Avenues, the plant was designed by famed architect Albert Kahn (who also designed Hudson's main factory) and was built in 1925 for a Hudson supplier. Hudson purchased the building in the late 1920's. Hudson bodies were fabricated in the building, then trucked down the street to the main assembly plant on Jefferson Avenue. Hudson closed the plant when they ended operations in Detroit in 1954. In 1956, General Motors purchased the building and it served as a Cadillac stamping plant until the Poletown plant opened in 1985.
5 Fisher Body Plant 21, located on Piquette Avenue in Detroit, was built in 1919 as part of the Fisher Body Company, which supplied automobile bodies to General Motors (GM). This four-story, reinforced concrete structure was designed in a style characteristic of early 20th-century industrial architecture, emphasizing both functionality and durability. It quickly became a vital hub for producing car bodies, including for popular brands like Cadillac and Buick. Fisher Body was an influential name in the automotive industry, known for pioneering techniques in mass production. At its peak, Fisher Plant 21 employed hundreds of workers who contributed to Detroit’s burgeoning status as the "Motor City."
In 1926, Fisher Body was fully absorbed by General Motors, which continued to operate Plant 21 as a central manufacturing facility. During World War II, the plant shifted gears from car bodies to military production, reflecting Detroit's broader transformation into the "Arsenal of Democracy." After the war, Fisher Plant 21 returned to automobile manufacturing, contributing to the post-war boom in American car culture. However, as the automotive industry evolved, many older plants faced obsolescence, and Plant 21 eventually ceased production in the late 1970s.
In 1926, Fisher Body was fully absorbed by General Motors, which continued to operate Plant 21 as a central manufacturing facility. During World War II, the plant shifted gears from car bodies to military production, reflecting Detroit's broader transformation into the "Arsenal of Democracy." After the war, Fisher Plant 21 returned to automobile manufacturing, contributing to the post-war boom in American car culture. However, as the automotive industry evolved, many older plants faced obsolescence, and Plant 21 eventually ceased production in the late 1970s.
6 Fisher Body Plant 21, located on Piquette Avenue in Detroit, was built in 1919 as part of the Fisher Body Company, which supplied automobile bodies to General Motors (GM). This four-story, reinforced concrete structure was designed in a style characteristic of early 20th-century industrial architecture, emphasizing both functionality and durability. It quickly became a vital hub for producing car bodies, including for popular brands like Cadillac and Buick. Fisher Body was an influential name in the automotive industry, known for pioneering techniques in mass production. At its peak, Fisher Plant 21 employed hundreds of workers who contributed to Detroit’s burgeoning status as the "Motor City."
In 1926, Fisher Body was fully absorbed by General Motors, which continued to operate Plant 21 as a central manufacturing facility. During World War II, the plant shifted gears from car bodies to military production, reflecting Detroit's broader transformation into the "Arsenal of Democracy." After the war, Fisher Plant 21 returned to automobile manufacturing, contributing to the post-war boom in American car culture. However, as the automotive industry evolved, many older plants faced obsolescence, and Plant 21 eventually ceased production in the late 1970s.
In 1926, Fisher Body was fully absorbed by General Motors, which continued to operate Plant 21 as a central manufacturing facility. During World War II, the plant shifted gears from car bodies to military production, reflecting Detroit's broader transformation into the "Arsenal of Democracy." After the war, Fisher Plant 21 returned to automobile manufacturing, contributing to the post-war boom in American car culture. However, as the automotive industry evolved, many older plants faced obsolescence, and Plant 21 eventually ceased production in the late 1970s.
7 Fisher Body Plant 21, located on Piquette Avenue in Detroit, was built in 1919 as part of the Fisher Body Company, which supplied automobile bodies to General Motors (GM). This four-story, reinforced concrete structure was designed in a style characteristic of early 20th-century industrial architecture, emphasizing both functionality and durability. It quickly became a vital hub for producing car bodies, including for popular brands like Cadillac and Buick. Fisher Body was an influential name in the automotive industry, known for pioneering techniques in mass production. At its peak, Fisher Plant 21 employed hundreds of workers who contributed to Detroit’s burgeoning status as the "Motor City."
In 1926, Fisher Body was fully absorbed by General Motors, which continued to operate Plant 21 as a central manufacturing facility. During World War II, the plant shifted gears from car bodies to military production, reflecting Detroit's broader transformation into the "Arsenal of Democracy." After the war, Fisher Plant 21 returned to automobile manufacturing, contributing to the post-war boom in American car culture. However, as the automotive industry evolved, many older plants faced obsolescence, and Plant 21 eventually ceased production in the late 1970s.
In 1926, Fisher Body was fully absorbed by General Motors, which continued to operate Plant 21 as a central manufacturing facility. During World War II, the plant shifted gears from car bodies to military production, reflecting Detroit's broader transformation into the "Arsenal of Democracy." After the war, Fisher Plant 21 returned to automobile manufacturing, contributing to the post-war boom in American car culture. However, as the automotive industry evolved, many older plants faced obsolescence, and Plant 21 eventually ceased production in the late 1970s.
8 Fisher Body Plant 21, located on Piquette Avenue in Detroit, was built in 1919 as part of the Fisher Body Company, which supplied automobile bodies to General Motors (GM). This four-story, reinforced concrete structure was designed in a style characteristic of early 20th-century industrial architecture, emphasizing both functionality and durability. It quickly became a vital hub for producing car bodies, including for popular brands like Cadillac and Buick. Fisher Body was an influential name in the automotive industry, known for pioneering techniques in mass production. At its peak, Fisher Plant 21 employed hundreds of workers who contributed to Detroit’s burgeoning status as the "Motor City."
In 1926, Fisher Body was fully absorbed by General Motors, which continued to operate Plant 21 as a central manufacturing facility. During World War II, the plant shifted gears from car bodies to military production, reflecting Detroit's broader transformation into the "Arsenal of Democracy." After the war, Fisher Plant 21 returned to automobile manufacturing, contributing to the post-war boom in American car culture. However, as the automotive industry evolved, many older plants faced obsolescence, and Plant 21 eventually ceased production in the late 1970s.
In 1926, Fisher Body was fully absorbed by General Motors, which continued to operate Plant 21 as a central manufacturing facility. During World War II, the plant shifted gears from car bodies to military production, reflecting Detroit's broader transformation into the "Arsenal of Democracy." After the war, Fisher Plant 21 returned to automobile manufacturing, contributing to the post-war boom in American car culture. However, as the automotive industry evolved, many older plants faced obsolescence, and Plant 21 eventually ceased production in the late 1970s.
9 Fisher Body Plant 21, located on Piquette Avenue in Detroit, was built in 1919 as part of the Fisher Body Company, which supplied automobile bodies to General Motors (GM). This four-story, reinforced concrete structure was designed in a style characteristic of early 20th-century industrial architecture, emphasizing both functionality and durability. It quickly became a vital hub for producing car bodies, including for popular brands like Cadillac and Buick. Fisher Body was an influential name in the automotive industry, known for pioneering techniques in mass production. At its peak, Fisher Plant 21 employed hundreds of workers who contributed to Detroit’s burgeoning status as the "Motor City."
In 1926, Fisher Body was fully absorbed by General Motors, which continued to operate Plant 21 as a central manufacturing facility. During World War II, the plant shifted gears from car bodies to military production, reflecting Detroit's broader transformation into the "Arsenal of Democracy." After the war, Fisher Plant 21 returned to automobile manufacturing, contributing to the post-war boom in American car culture. However, as the automotive industry evolved, many older plants faced obsolescence, and Plant 21 eventually ceased production in the late 1970s.
In 1926, Fisher Body was fully absorbed by General Motors, which continued to operate Plant 21 as a central manufacturing facility. During World War II, the plant shifted gears from car bodies to military production, reflecting Detroit's broader transformation into the "Arsenal of Democracy." After the war, Fisher Plant 21 returned to automobile manufacturing, contributing to the post-war boom in American car culture. However, as the automotive industry evolved, many older plants faced obsolescence, and Plant 21 eventually ceased production in the late 1970s.
10 Boblo Island Boat Dock Warehouse
11 Boblo Island Boat Dock Warehouse
12 Boblo Island Boat Dock Warehouse
13 Boblo Island Boat Dock Warehouse
14 Fisher Body Plant 21, located on Piquette Avenue in Detroit, was built in 1919 as part of the Fisher Body Company, which supplied automobile bodies to General Motors (GM). This four-story, reinforced concrete structure was designed in a style characteristic of early 20th-century industrial architecture, emphasizing both functionality and durability. It quickly became a vital hub for producing car bodies, including for popular brands like Cadillac and Buick. Fisher Body was an influential name in the automotive industry, known for pioneering techniques in mass production. At its peak, Fisher Plant 21 employed hundreds of workers who contributed to Detroit’s burgeoning status as the "Motor City."
In 1926, Fisher Body was fully absorbed by General Motors, which continued to operate Plant 21 as a central manufacturing facility. During World War II, the plant shifted gears from car bodies to military production, reflecting Detroit's broader transformation into the "Arsenal of Democracy." After the war, Fisher Plant 21 returned to automobile manufacturing, contributing to the post-war boom in American car culture. However, as the automotive industry evolved, many older plants faced obsolescence, and Plant 21 eventually ceased production in the late 1970s.
In 1926, Fisher Body was fully absorbed by General Motors, which continued to operate Plant 21 as a central manufacturing facility. During World War II, the plant shifted gears from car bodies to military production, reflecting Detroit's broader transformation into the "Arsenal of Democracy." After the war, Fisher Plant 21 returned to automobile manufacturing, contributing to the post-war boom in American car culture. However, as the automotive industry evolved, many older plants faced obsolescence, and Plant 21 eventually ceased production in the late 1970s.
15 Colorado River - near Page, Arizona
16 Colorado River - near Page, Arizona
17 Colorado River - near Page, Arizona
18 Colorado River - near Page, Arizona
19 Colorado River - near Page, Arizona
20
Reflections