The man within the Packard plant

Through all of the trials and hardships the city of Detroit has gone through, the iconic Packard plant has stood by as a reminder of how far the city has fallen from its past glories. The graffiti riddled property has become a mecca for urban explorers, artists and photographers since being abandoned a decade or so ago.

While most abandoned properties receive random visits from security companies, the owners of the former Packard plant have taken a somewhat unorthodox approach. Urban “Farmer”, Allan Hill lives in the vacant building along with a pack of pooches. While Hill’s abode lacks niceties such as hot and cold running water, the rather eccentric gent fares quite nicely. He even has a full welding setup and the internet.

Part of a video series called This must be the place follows Allan Hill as he wanders through the structure and gives his thoughts on his city.

Watch the captivating video after the break.

Source: Jalopnik

Detroit’s Packard Plant Set for Demolition

In a post from Autoblog today, plans were announced to raze the massive 3.5 million square foot Packard plant in Detroit, Michigan. A car has not rolled off the assembly line since 1958, but this leviathan automotive complex has stood for decades, idle and crumbling. The Packard plant was built in 1903, and covers two entire city blocks. To add to the mystique of the Packard complex, there is an underground tunnel system.

Packard was once one of the premier American automotive makers. When I get the chance I always take a moment to admire my uncle’s 1948 Packard two door hard top. Due to poor management, Packard was never able to get is footing in Post World War II America, and slipped into the history books. Apart from my love of cars, I am a fan of photography and urban decay, and as such I am thrilled to offer a link to detroiturbex.com for a gorgeous display of the Packard plant in its current state, before it is finally demolished.