MTFCA Forum

The Packard plant in Detroit is also being demolished.

The question is what is more valuable the history of the site, or the land the site is on.

Why we all know that with a derelict building, the land is more valuable than the history. In a few years we just erect a plaque.

In our area some historic bldgs are sometimes torn down. Unfortunate for history of the area but this probably happens more than we think in other parts of the country. History is not always important for some people.
We’ve seen how history is thought of in the last 2-3 years and it’s unfortunate.
And as far as some bldgs or statues go there is nothing but bare ground and no plaques.
The so called cancel culture has seen to that.

If you don't like what someone plans to do to a car, then buy it yourself and restore it.
Same thing with this building.

So many once interesting places are no longer worth visiting. They look exactly like every place else, and it ain't purty.

Have driven by the Jax plant a few times, it can't be entered as it is condemned, just too worn down.

However the site is valuable for the economy as Jax port is continuing to expand for shipping trade. That was the reason Ford chose the site, as in the mid twenties Henry wanted his assembly plants near waterways or railways for the massive transportation required to ship parts from Detroit to the branch assembly factories.

This a view of the 'new' plant when it opened! Assembled up to 200 new Fords a day in 1925.

Businesses strive to create an image with recognizable logo's & building fronts (McDonalds, Starbucks, Walmart, Walgreens etc). When they are not "chains" then repurpose happens.
This site was adjacent to the former Case/IH Plant in East Moline IL. The same area was noted for Root & Van Dervoort engines, Dreadnought Moline , Moline-Knight, R&V Knight, Deere-Clark. The area to the East is occupied by the John Deere Harvester Works

Before After

Omaha's Model T plant is now appatrments.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.26791,- ... 6656?hl=en

Been Here Before wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 18, 2022 10:11 am

The question is what is more valuable the history of the site, or the land the site is on.

Why we all know that with a derelict building, the land is more valuable than the history. In a few years we just erect a plaque.indexnothing.jpg

Sad isn't it? My past career revolved around buildings of all ages, hence I have a huge love of old buildings especially. As in the Piquette plant, the guide mentioned some people visit to see the building more than the cars. For me it was 50/50...I am in awe of that building, it's history, and of course the cars in it today, and imagining the hustle and bustle in that neat old building manufacturing said cars! Fortunately Piquette has a historic designation and is safe.

TXGOAT2 wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 18, 2022 9:57 am

The Packard plant in Detroit is also being demolished.

It was demolished long ago, by neglect.