A very unassuming location
You wouldn't think anything of it from the outside. There was no obviously significant architectural features, no grand windows, amazing brickwork. The location itself made this location more an eyesore than a treasure. and upon first entering, it was not even worthy of pulling out my camera. It was a dump. Collapsed floors, garbage everywhere.. it was horrible. Of all the great Detroit locations, I wondered why I was brought here.
It didn't take long to find out
I walked into the area that my friend wanted me to see. It was this amazing place, where machines just stopped for the day and people went home... and never returned. Apart from the toll the elements took on the building, it seemed nothing was taken, nothing was moved. All the machinery was frozen in time. Presses and bobcats and welding machines rusted yet still standing were everywhere.
Most locations in Detroit would have been scrapped out at this level of ruin. There is really no respect for history in Detroit. It seemed to be a very well kept secret among explorers. I would have loved to returned to this location. So much to see and document. It was an instant favorite, not just because of everything inside, but also because nobody would have ever expected something so amazing withing the walls of this unassuming location.
Recently, rumors were floating around in the exploring community that demolition was imminent at the old foundry. Not being one to believe rumors, I held to hope that maybe it was another location. Maybe something else was happening near the waterfront area of Detroit. One can only hope until seeing photographic evidence. The foundry is gone forever.. except in photos and memories
I never name locations till a building is saved or lost forever. While it is in limbo, I must protect it's identity. Once a building is gone, I feel it is my duty to pay tribute to the location. Rest in Peace Detroit Gray Iron Foundry .
Detroit Gray Iron Foundry operated from 1916 and probably ceased operations in the 1980's. The building was located on the waterfront off Jefferson on Wight Street between Iron and Meldrum. Demolition began March 2015