The long abandoned former Studebaker plant dominated this vista at the corner of John R and Piquette with its terra cotta brick facade.  A wood frame building, for the most part, the roof had rotted through and collapsed at several points.  Nonetheless efforts were being made to convert it into residential lofts and at the far end a thriving market and furniture store operated.  After the fire, below, little remained. This image is from April 2005.

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The collapsed wood interior unfortunately provided plenty of fuel for a fire that began at the near end and raced to the far end in under three hour erasing Detroit history and memories in its path.

Click HERE to see the Studebaker on the Classic Tour or...
Click HERE to continue to the previous featured site  - The ruins of the Palomar Villa Apartments.