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			.Building Navigation. History Old Photos Our Thoughts The history of Studebaker Plant is gathered from many internet and text sources. Though every attempt is made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. All rights reserved.					BuildingsOfDetroit.COM > Places > Studebaker Plant Studebaker Plant 6230 John R St., Detroit  Status: Demolished AKA: Wayne Automotive. E-M-F Plant, Showcase Building Style(s): Unknown Architect : Unknown Owner: N/A Architectural Firm: Unknown         Overview of the Studebaker Plant from a window in the complex     In 1906, this wood, terra cotta and brick plant was built for the Wayne Automobile Co. The facility was bounded by John R Street, Piquette Avenue and Brush Street. Over the years, the Wayne Automobile Co. merged several times and became Everitt, Metzger and Flanders, or E-M-F. The plant was at one point part of the second largest car producer. Studebaker took over the plant in 1910 after acquiring E-M-F. For about 30 years, between the 1930s and 1960s, the plant was used as a parts facility for Chrysler after Studebaker moved to South Bend, Ind., in 1928. By 1940, during World War II, the eastern portion of the building became the US Army 182nd Field Artillery Armory, then a storage facility for the IRS, then finally the Detroit Public Library Automotive History Collection. After Chrysler used the plant, the eastern section of the plant became the Piquette Market and the western portion was abandoned. On June 20, 2005, the abandoned portion of the structure began to go up in flames. At 10:12 p.m., the first alarm rang at a Detroit Fire Department station and trucks were sent out to fight the flames. The fire was soon upgraded to five alarms for a total of 150 firefighters on the scene. The fire began to spread east toward the connected Piquette Market. Within hours, the whole block was in flames. The complex was smoldering for days after the fire before being completely put out. The fire consumed the whole block. The damage was extensive. And the whole complex was a total loss. By the end of July 2005, the City of Detroit began to clean up the site, and it was eventually cleared of all debris by August. Today the site is a dirt lot.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ^top