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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
Improvements & Ongoing Projects on the Grounds
LodgeRepair GaragePower HouseCarriage HouseTank Test CenterElevated Water TankHangerTiming StandGrounds
Elevated Water Tank – Repairs & Updates
Paint
Packard Logo Stencil
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.
1999
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.
2002
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.
2007
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.
