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Foreclosure Process Begins For Packard Plant

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - It was designed by famed architect Albert Kahn and, when it opened in 1911, it was considered the most modern manufacturing facility in the world.  But the now-blighted Packard Plant on Detroit's east side is headed for foreclosure.

Wayne County Treasurer Raymond Wojtowich told WWJ Newsradio 950 the notice will go out this week, and it's sad.

"It's next to my neighborhood and I know what it was and what it is and, unfortunately, nothing's been done about it," Wojtowich said. "The architecture throughout our central city ... is fantastic. It has been neglected by people, unfortunately. In governments where the property was located code enforcement lacked or was put aside."

Abandoned: A Peek Inside The Packard Plant (PHOTOS)

Wojtowich said the plant's owner, Biosource, is so far behind in taxes he has no choice but to act. "It's a warning signal that we're giving to the property owners of the potential liabilities and they're at risk," Wojtowich said.

The Detroit Free Press reported Bioresource owns 41 of 44 parcels at the historic complex. Wayne County, Detroit or the state could eventually own the property if the owners fail to pay about $750,000 in back taxes and it's not bought during foreclosure.

The plant stopped making cars in 1958, has been abandoned since the 1990's and eventually became the target of thieves, arsonists and metal scrappers.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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