The Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation will serve as philanthropic fiduciary partner for the recently announced Packard Park redevelopment, a landmark initiative that will breathe new life into one of Detroit’s most storied industrial sites. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s proposal to reactivate 28 acres of the former Packard Plant represents not only a bold vision for jobs, housing and cultural programming, but a profound commitment to historic preservation.

At the heart of this project is the legacy Albert Kahn–designed building along East Grand Boulevard, once threatened with demolition and now positioned to anchor a vibrant future.

The Packard Plant was more than a factory. It was the birthplace of Albert and Julius Kahn’s pioneering reinforced-concrete system; a breakthrough that reshaped industrial engineering worldwide and helped define Detroit as the capital of the modern auto industry. Preserving this structure honors both the city’s industrial heritage and the architectural genius that made it possible.

As fiduciary for the philanthropic capital campaign supporting the restoration of the Kahn building, the Foundation is committed to ensuring that philanthropic involvement strengthens the project’s cultural and community impact. It is a role we welcome and cherish. Foundation Secretary Michael G. Smith played a key role on the project as an historic preservationist and a leading authority on Albert Kahn-designed structures and sites.

We commend Packard Development Partners, LLC and their collaborators for embracing adaptive reuse and for recognizing that Detroit’s future is best built on the dignity of its past.This redevelopment is more than construction — it is a testament to imagination, stewardship and the enduring relevance of Albert Kahn’s vision.

Read the City of Detroit’s full announcement below for additional information on the Packard Park project: