Shelby Charter Township in Shelby Township in Macomb County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Base of Operations
The Lodge at the Proving Grounds
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 3, 2019
1. Base of Operations: The Lodge at the Proving Grounds Marker
The Lodge is a landmark, just north of the main gates
of the Packard Proving Grounds. Designed by famous architect Albert Kahn in the English Cotswold style, it opened in 1928 as the site's base of operations. The site manager and his family lived here, and upstairs was a dormitory for test drivers, mechanics and visitors from Packard's Detroit factory complex. On the lower level was a carport and an eight-bay testing garage. The Packard Motor Car Foundation has beautifully preserved the building, including its hardwood floors and slate roof.
You Auto Know
The Packard Motor Car Foundation uses the Lodge as its world headquarters.
Erected by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.
Location. 42° 39.691′ N, 83° 2.076′ W. Marker is in Shelby Township, Michigan, in Macomb County. It is in Shelby Charter Township. Marker is at the intersection of North Proving Grounds Boulevard and Van Dyke Avenue when traveling west on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "Quality First" (a few steps from this marker); The Vincent Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Packard Proving Grounds (within shouting distance of this marker); Packard Motor Car Company / Packard Proving Grounds (within shouting distance of this marker); In Times of War (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Packard Takes Flight (approx. 0.2 miles away); Extreme Testing (approx. 0.2 miles away); Made for Speed (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shelby Township.
Photo courtesy of The Packard Motor Car Foundation.
2. Base of Operations: The Lodge at the Proving Grounds Marker — upper left image
A new 1932 Packard Twin Six with the Lodge as a scenic background.
Photo courtesy of The Packard Motor Car Foundation.
3. Base of Operations: The Lodge at the Proving Grounds Marker — lower left image
1935 Packard in front of the Lodge.
Photo courtesy of The Packard Motor Car Foundation.
4. Base of Operations: The Lodge at the Proving Grounds Marker — upper right image
The courtyard side of the Lodge in 1928, showing the eight garages and the open fueling station at the left end.
Photo courtesy of The Packard Motor Car Foundation.
5. Base of Operations: The Lodge at the Proving Grounds Marker — lower right image
The Lodge with its current donated accent lighting.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 3, 2019
6. Base of Operations: The Lodge at the Proving Grounds Marker and the Lodge
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 3, 2019
7. Base of Operations: The Lodge at the Proving Grounds Marker
View of the backside of the Lodge, showing garage doors.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 3, 2019
8. National Register of Historic Places plaque
One of the National Register of Historic Places plaques. This one is next to the north main gate.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 209 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on August 6, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
