Self Demolition.

Introducing the Packard to a new generation.













Dragged the teen agers off the couch and into the city... one look and they ditched us! Welcome to the fun.

Packin' it in.

Full Circle.

Al - Packard Plant, August 2011

I headed to the plant on a Tuesday afternoon unsure if I would find Al or not, but like a good caretaker he came riding up on his yellow bulldozer as we ducked out of a building - always checking who goes in and out, for his safety and ours. This is Al's home, his project, organizing the mess that has been left behind and friending the folks that come and go with spray cans and cameras. The Packard is not a pretty place but he loves it and has taken it on as his own. I showed him the photograph and he laughed that he still had the same glasses, putting them back in the collar of his shirt like my previous portrait from 2009. We talked a bit about his ministry, the movies he shows at the plant, and the recent collapses inside. He's truly a good spirit, if you find yourself in the Packard, stop by and say hello!

You can find what is happening at the plant here:
mycampage.com/packardproject

Here are a few links from Detroit Blogger John on Al:
Plant Culture
Desolation Angel

Full Circle Detroit 2011 is coming together, the site will be finished soon.
http://www.fullcircledetroit.com - check it for updates this week!

This must be the place.

Have you seen my boat?

Frozen toes with icicle fingers













After 4 days of family fun, I finally had some time to head downtown to see how Detroit was doing. First hope was to get into the old Cass Tech high school but that was fenced and demolition had begun. Too bad for me, there are some beautiful shots from others who've made it inside. After a drive through Belle Isle and the parents old neighborhood, I made my way back to the Packard Plant. I love this place. Stepping carefully through a doorway on the south side, I found a whole room that was part of the collapse last summer - constantly reminding myself that the ceiling above me could look like the ceiling in front of me at any moment. Without a window left and the walls broken open, the wind whipped through and I was chilled to the bone. If it had been slightly warmer I would have stayed longer but my poor toes just couldn't take it anymore.

My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!

The Packard Plant. Or what is left of it.

The last time I ventured to the Packard Plant there was a lot more of the building standing. There have been 2 collapses since and most of the letters are gone from where the cars used to cross over. I know Detroit isn't always safe, yet once again I found only decent folk. One guy stopped his car to talk to me about how amazing the plant used to be. Another, just picking up bottles, kept an eye on me from afar yet smiled whenever I looked to make sure I knew where he was. And then Al. He lives here in what he calls the "Worlds Largest Demolition Site". We talked a bit about what is like to live there with just his two dogs to protect him. Telling me over and over if I want to go in, not to go alone but if I want to, he gives tours. Apprehension sets in. Right about now he thought it was a good time to read me a prayer. And then I started hearing voices... a door opens up and out comes two more photographers, "Hey Al!". Ok, he's alright.

couple more from detroit - the packard plant and the packard motel