The mission of the Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site

To preserve the legacy of the Packard Motor Car Company through the restoration and preservation of the Packard Proving Grounds, educating future generations about America’s automotive history.

PPG Restoration Project

PPG History

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LODGE

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REPAIR GARAGE

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POWER HOUSE 

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CARRIAGE GARAGE

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TANK TEST CENTER

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ELEVATED WATER TANK

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HANGAR

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TIMING STAND

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GROUNDS

Our Plan

The Packard Proving Grounds, managed and supported by the Packard Motor Car Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit Corporation, will fulfill its mission through engaging activities such as, but not limited to, the following:

  • Historically accurate restoration of the PPG buildings and grounds
  • Displays of Packard automobiles and memorabilia throughout the PPG
  • Conduct and host educational seminars
  • Provide public access to digital materials covering all things Packard
  • Displays highlighting Packard’s role in WWII’s great American Arsenal of Democracy
  • Engage and grow partnerships with local schools and colleges for automotive, restoration, and architectural programs by providing hands on experiences at the PPG
  • Partner with state and local government on multiple levels to support the community and create awareness of the PPG as part of the Pure Michigan campaign.
  • Partner and leverage synergies with various museums; collections; automobile, aviation, and marine clubs; historical re-enactors; and historical societies to engage the general public through combined events with interactive displays to provide greater historical context and meaning for our guests.

Improvements & Ongoing Projects on the Grounds

The LodgeRepair GaragePower HouseCarriage HouseTank Test CenterElevated Water TankHangerTiming StandGrounds
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Lodge – Repairs & Updates

Chimney Repairs
Electrical
Garage Lights
Plumbing
Heat
Interior & Exterior Restoration
Garage Doors
Storm Windows
Fire Suppression
Occupancy Permit

Repair Garage – Repairs & Updates

Interior & Exterior Restoration
HVAC
Electrical
Plumbing
Garage Lights
Hold & Serve Area
Restrooms
Storm Windows
Fire Suppression
Garage Doors
Roof
Chimney Repairs
Gift Shop / Tool Crib
Occupancy Permit

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Power House – Repairs & Updates

Interior & Exterior Restoration
Relocation of Site Offices

Carriage House – Repairs & Updates

Interior & Exterior Restoration
HVAC
Restroom
Garage Doors
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Tank Test Center – Repairs & Updates

Interior & Exterior Restoration
Roof
Vehicle Maintenance
The Vault
The Library
Restroom
Garage Doors
Windows
Fire Suppression
HVAC
Displays
Occupancy Permit

Elevated Water Tank – Repairs & Updates

Paint
Packard Logo Stencil
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Hanger – Repairs & Updates

Footings & Floor
Relocation
Paint
Repair & Coat Roof
Interior Restoration
Occupancy Permit

Timing Stand – Repairs & Updates

Interior & Exterior Restoration
Lighting
Displays

Grounds – Repairs & Updates

Parkways Outside Gates
Parkways Inside Gates
Main Gates
Front Wall Gate
East Half of Property
West Half of Property
South Property
Trees
Fences
East End Walls
South Property Wall
LED Sign

How it started

  • 1997:

    Packard Motor Car Foundation was founded

    by a group of officers and trustees of the Packard Club (Packard Automobile Classics) as an Ohio non-profit corporation. It was intended to allow donors a way to make tax-deductible contributions to a variety of Packard-related projects.

  • 1999:

    The PMCF became focused on the preservation of the former Packard Proving Grounds in Shelby Township, Michigan

    In this effort, under the leadership of President Becca Kuehl, the PMCF supported a group of Michigan-based Packard enthusiasts who were mobilizing to preserve a portion of the famous Proving Grounds which had been slated for demolition.  Through extensive negotiations with the owner of the site—Ford Motor Land Development Corporation—the most historic portion of the Proving Grounds was saved.

  • 2001:

    Foundation reincorporated in Michigan as a non-profit corporation

    and the Board of Trustees changed significantly.

  • 2002:

    Foundation took possession of the 14-acre site

    which included the building complex, and a section of the former test track.  The aircraft hangar was moved from the track infield onto this site. The preservation, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse of the former Proving Grounds is now the main focus of the Foundation.

  • 2005:

    The Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site is now recognized as a State of Michigan historic site.

    It seems that almost anyone who visits the site becomes taken with the buildings and the automotive, aviation and Arsenal of Democracy history of the site.  The Foundation officers and trustees were fortunate to recruit a dedicated group of local volunteers which has grown in size and commitment over the years.

  • 2007:

    The Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site is now recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • 2017:

    The site has grown to approximately 17 acres of land

    and has become a multi-use facility and destination for events ranging from car shows to weddings and corporate events to a farm market.  Visitors are treated to educational tours of the facility which has broadened the awareness and support of the Proving Grounds far beyond the Packard collectors who started the effort.

In Memorial

Gene passed away on December 22, 2015 at the age of 73. He was well liked and respected within the Packard community, He organized a “glazing” project and replaced the broken windows in the airplane hangar. His family and friends wanted to do something to remember him by. They generously donated to the building of the impressive sign at the main entrance to the site.

This plaque is located in the Gate Lodge garage. It recognizes the four couples who funded the $400,000 retirement of the PPG mortgage.