1 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
2 Upon its completion the Michigan Theater could seat 4,050 patrons, In addition to films in its prime years, the theatre hosted performances of bands led by John Philip Sousa, Benny Goodman, Jimmy Dorsey and Harry James as well as live performances by The Marx Brothers, Betty Grable and Bob Hope.[4]
The theater ceased operations in 1976 after operating as a nightclub named The Michigan Palace. The office tenants threatened to leave unless they received adequate parking. To retain the tenants, building owners gutted and converted the theater into a parking structure. The theater could not be completely demolished and replaced by a parking structure because it is integral to the structure of the office building. The ornate plaster ceiling of the theater auditorium and grand lobby, at the ninth floor level, are still intact, as are parts of the mezzanine, the 2nd and 3rd balcony foyers and their staircases. The projection booth is also still intact.
The theater ceased operations in 1976 after operating as a nightclub named The Michigan Palace. The office tenants threatened to leave unless they received adequate parking. To retain the tenants, building owners gutted and converted the theater into a parking structure. The theater could not be completely demolished and replaced by a parking structure because it is integral to the structure of the office building. The ornate plaster ceiling of the theater auditorium and grand lobby, at the ninth floor level, are still intact, as are parts of the mezzanine, the 2nd and 3rd balcony foyers and their staircases. The projection booth is also still intact.
3 The Greater Penobscot Building, commonly known as the Penobscot Building, is a skyscraper and class-A office building in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. The architect Wirt C. Rowland, of the prominent Smith Hinchman & Grylls firm based in Detroit, designed the Penobscot in an elaborate Art Deco style in 1928. Clad in Indiana Limestone with a granite base, it rises like a sheer cliff for thirty stories, then has a series of setbacks culminating in a red neon beacon tower. Like many of the city's other Roaring Twenties buildings, it displays Art Deco influences, including its "H" shape (designed to allow maximum sunlight into the building) and the sculptural setbacks that cause the upper floors to progressively "erode"
4 Construction started on the permanent location of St. Agnes, with the school built in 1916, and the convent a year later. After considering several possibilities for a sanctuary, the parish chose a gothic design by the firm of Van Leyen, Schilling, Keough, and Reynolds, and started work in 1922. The cornerstone of the church was laid in a ceremony on September 10 by Bishop Michael James Gallagher; construction of the 1,500 seat sanctuary was completed in 1924, and the church was dedicated on June 1st. Later in the year the church took delivery of a custom-built pipe organ by the firm of Casavant Frères, Opus #1035.
5 Construction started on the permanent location of St. Agnes, with the school built in 1916, and the convent a year later. After considering several possibilities for a sanctuary, the parish chose a gothic design by the firm of Van Leyen, Schilling, Keough, and Reynolds, and started work in 1922. The cornerstone of the church was laid in a ceremony on September 10 by Bishop Michael James Gallagher; construction of the 1,500 seat sanctuary was completed in 1924, and the church was dedicated on June 1st. Later in the year the church took delivery of a custom-built pipe organ by the firm of Casavant Frères, Opus #1035.
6 Highland Park Courthouse
7 Andrew Jackson Intermediate was a school located on the east side of Detroit. Jackson was designed by the firm of B.C. Wetzel & Co., with the main part of the school built in 1928.
Jackson is one of Detroit's more unique schools in terms of design, using orange brick, masonry quoins along the edges of the building, and balustrades along the roof. Two lanterns are located above the main entrances facing the street. Though large, they appear to be purely ornamental, and are empty. The layout is fairly typical of schools designed in the late 20's, with a main hallway along which classrooms are located, and wings located on the ends. Jackson has an extra classroom wing on the north side of the building, and a cafeteria wing on the south side. Located in the center are the auditorium, which took up two floors, and a library on the third floor. The plan allowed for easy expansion of the school should the need arise.
Jackson is one of Detroit's more unique schools in terms of design, using orange brick, masonry quoins along the edges of the building, and balustrades along the roof. Two lanterns are located above the main entrances facing the street. Though large, they appear to be purely ornamental, and are empty. The layout is fairly typical of schools designed in the late 20's, with a main hallway along which classrooms are located, and wings located on the ends. Jackson has an extra classroom wing on the north side of the building, and a cafeteria wing on the south side. Located in the center are the auditorium, which took up two floors, and a library on the third floor. The plan allowed for easy expansion of the school should the need arise.
8 The Campus Ballroom, Detroit Michigan
The Campus Ballroom, located at the intersection of Livernois and Fenkell in Detroit, was a vibrant entertainment venue that played a significant role in the city's social and cultural life. Built between 1926 and 1928, it quickly became a hotspot for music, dancing, and community gatherings. Throughout the mid-20th century, the ballroom hosted numerous events, drawing large crowds and contributing to the rich musical heritage of Detroit. It was particularly popular during the Big Band era, when live orchestras and jazz performances attracted dancers from across the city.
In later years, the venue was known as Ernie D’s Campus Ballroom, continuing to serve as a beloved gathering place for social events and live entertainment. However, as Detroit's economic landscape shifted, the building fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned. By 2018, the once-iconic ballroom was demolished, erasing one of the city’s historic entertainment landmarks. Despite its absence, the Campus Ballroom remains a cherished memory for those who experienced its heyday, reflecting the dynamic social scene of Detroit’s past.
The Campus Ballroom, located at the intersection of Livernois and Fenkell in Detroit, was a vibrant entertainment venue that played a significant role in the city's social and cultural life. Built between 1926 and 1928, it quickly became a hotspot for music, dancing, and community gatherings. Throughout the mid-20th century, the ballroom hosted numerous events, drawing large crowds and contributing to the rich musical heritage of Detroit. It was particularly popular during the Big Band era, when live orchestras and jazz performances attracted dancers from across the city.
In later years, the venue was known as Ernie D’s Campus Ballroom, continuing to serve as a beloved gathering place for social events and live entertainment. However, as Detroit's economic landscape shifted, the building fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned. By 2018, the once-iconic ballroom was demolished, erasing one of the city’s historic entertainment landmarks. Despite its absence, the Campus Ballroom remains a cherished memory for those who experienced its heyday, reflecting the dynamic social scene of Detroit’s past.
9 The Schroeder Paint and Glass Co. was founded in 1897 by John Schroeder, a lifelong Detroit businessman. His first location was a retail store on East Congress and Cadillac Street which sold paint, glass, oils, varnishes, brushes, and painters' supplies. By 1905, the Schroeder name was well-known throughout the city and sate, and the company had set up a wholesale warehouse for glass products on Wayne and Woodbridge streets. Among its early projects were the Ford Building, the Hotel Ponchitrain, and many of Detroit's residences. John Schroeder led the company until his death in May of 1914.
10 The Schroeder Paint and Glass Co. was founded in 1897 by John Schroeder, a lifelong Detroit businessman. His first location was a retail store on East Congress and Cadillac Street which sold paint, glass, oils, varnishes, brushes, and painters' supplies. By 1905, the Schroeder name was well-known throughout the city and sate, and the company had set up a wholesale warehouse for glass products on Wayne and Woodbridge streets. Among its early projects were the Ford Building, the Hotel Ponchitrain, and many of Detroit's residences. John Schroeder led the company until his death in May of 1914.
11 The Lee Plaza (also known as the Lee Plaza Hotel or Lee Plaza Apartments) is a vacant high-rise apartment building located at 2240 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, Michigan. It is a registered historic site by the state of Michigan and was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places on November 5, 1981. Designed by Charles Noble and constructed in 1929, it rises to 15 floors and is an excellent example of Art Deco architecture of the 1920s.[2]
First built as an ornate high rise hotel along West Grand Boulevard, Lee Plaza was an upscale apartment with hotel services. Decorated with sculpture and tile outside, the structure rivaled the Book-Cadillac Hotel and Statler Hotel for architectural notice in Detroit during the 1920s. After economic contraction, the apartment's ownership changed several times, being used as a senior citizens' complex before finally closing as a residence in the early 1990s.
First built as an ornate high rise hotel along West Grand Boulevard, Lee Plaza was an upscale apartment with hotel services. Decorated with sculpture and tile outside, the structure rivaled the Book-Cadillac Hotel and Statler Hotel for architectural notice in Detroit during the 1920s. After economic contraction, the apartment's ownership changed several times, being used as a senior citizens' complex before finally closing as a residence in the early 1990s.
12 St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church and school located on the east side of Detroit, rose and fell with the fortunes of the city.
13 Colin Powell Acadamy, Detroit, Michigan
14 Courville Elementary School, located on the northeast side of the city, was built in 1921 as part of a rapid expansion of the Detroit Public Schools system. Designed by the firm of Malcomson, Higginbotham & Palmer in the Collegiate Gothic style, the school was built in a modular style, with later expansion in mind. The first unit was finished in November of 1922, and opened in January of 1923. It was named for Elizabeth Courville, a highly-respected teacher and principal who died unexpectedly in a car accident in 1916. An addition in 1929 doubled the size of the school, adding more classroom space and a second gymnasium.
In later years the school became known for its music program. The Courville Concert Choir was a highly regarded performance ensable, with a repertoire "which includes everything from 18th century classics to gospel and urban pop," the Michigan Chronicle noted in 1996. The choir performed in cities across the country through the 1990's and 2000's.
In 2000, the school was over capacity, hosting nearly 1,100 students, but by 2006 enrollment had fallen in half to 570. As part of a district-wide consolidation, Courville closed in 2007. The reasons cited for its closure included the condition of the building, which included leaks in the roof, walls, boiler room, and flooring, as well as an overall decline in the population around the school.
The Courville Concert Choir moved to the Mason-Farwell School in 2008, and still performs today.
The school is slated for demolition in 2015.
In later years the school became known for its music program. The Courville Concert Choir was a highly regarded performance ensable, with a repertoire "which includes everything from 18th century classics to gospel and urban pop," the Michigan Chronicle noted in 1996. The choir performed in cities across the country through the 1990's and 2000's.
In 2000, the school was over capacity, hosting nearly 1,100 students, but by 2006 enrollment had fallen in half to 570. As part of a district-wide consolidation, Courville closed in 2007. The reasons cited for its closure included the condition of the building, which included leaks in the roof, walls, boiler room, and flooring, as well as an overall decline in the population around the school.
The Courville Concert Choir moved to the Mason-Farwell School in 2008, and still performs today.
The school is slated for demolition in 2015.
15 St. Agnes Church
16 M. M. Rose School
The M. M. Rose School, built in 1897 and one of the oldest standing schools in Detroit.
Perhaps 35 years ago the old Rose Elementary School on Van Dyke, between Gratiot and I94, was closed and a replacement (now also closed) was built just to the west of Kettering HS
The M. M. Rose School, built in 1897 and one of the oldest standing schools in Detroit.
Perhaps 35 years ago the old Rose Elementary School on Van Dyke, between Gratiot and I94, was closed and a replacement (now also closed) was built just to the west of Kettering HS
17 Boblo Island Boat Dock Warehouse
18 Boblo Island Boat Dock Warehouse
19 Charleston South Carolina
20 Charleston South Carolina
Doors