City of Detroit and Detroit Economic Growth Corporation announce Request for Proposals for redevelopment of former Packard Plant site

The City of Detroit, in partnership with the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), is seeking proposals from qualified developers for the redevelopment of several parcels that represent the majority of the former Packard Plant.

The project's primary goal is to redevelop the site into a high-quality industrial/manufacturing facility, ideally in the automotive sector. The property, located at 6199 Concord Avenue and several surrounding addresses, is an approximately 37.24-acre site between Interstate 94 and Farnsworth Street on Detroit’s east side. The site’s prime location, close to major freeways, roadways and other manufacturing businesses such as Factory Zero, makes it an attractive development opportunity.

“The redevelopment of the Packard Plant site represents a significant opportunity to bring new life to a historic property and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of Detroit’s automotive industry,” said Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, Chief Operating Officer of the DEGC. “We are excited to work with the City of Detroit and potential developers to create a project that will honor the legacy of the Packard Plant while driving economic growth and job creation in the area.”

The Packard Plant, originally operational from 1903 to 1958, has been the subject of various renovation, demolition and redevelopment efforts since the 1990s. In 2017, the City of Detroit began demolishing the former plant, and since 2022 has been undertaking demolition work on the parcels included in the proposed development site. Demolition is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

The RFP will be released on Thursday, May 30, and proposals from interested firms will be due by July 12. Following the submittal deadline, the DEGC and City of Detroit will review the submitted proposals and endeavor to notify the selected respondent by early fall. The City will then work with the winning developer to conclude a development deal for the site.

Given the Packard Plant’s significance to Detroit’s automotive history, the City is seeking proposals that will incorporate a portion of the existing building that remains at E. Grand Boulevard. Developers are expected to present site plans that honor the legacy of this important site and illustrate how these portions of the building will be incorporated into the overall site plan.

For more information about the RFP process and to obtain a copy of the RFP documents, please visit the DEGC website at degc.org/packard-plant-rfp.

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC)

Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a non-profit organization that serves as Detroit’s lead implementing agency for business retention, attraction and economic development. DEGC is led by a board comprised of business, civic and community leaders. Its staff provides services for key public authorities that facilitate incentives and other forms of financing for projects that bring new jobs and investment to the City. DEGC also manages important initiatives to support small businesses and grow neighborhood commercial corridors. DEGC is dedicated to inclusive development and access to economic opportunity.