And inside, there are no fixed walls, ensuring production flexibility and adaptability. They’re flanked by concealed floor-to-ceiling windows that allow plenty of natural sunlight in. The prefabricated concrete slabs – each proudly bearing the famous ‘EB’ logo – that form the outer walls are angled in such a way to deflect sunlight and moderate the temperature inside. “Artioli had not only purchased a brand, but also a philosophy of excellence – those responsible for building something that embodied that philosophy simply couldn’t work in a banal environment.”īanal his factory was most certainly not. “The workers had to feel part of something different and exciting,” Benedini continues. “Ettore Bugatti always worked independently to combine technology with aesthetics,” Benedini explains, “so I thought the best way to honour him would be to respect those principles and build the factory in continuity with his exceptional motorcars.”įrom the outset, the physical and mental wellbeing of the 240-odd people who’d be working in the factory was the primary concern. The 13,000-square-metre complex in which the world’s most technologically advanced supercar was built comprised a glass circular office building and design studios, an engine test-and-development facility and a vast assembly hall. And in just three short years, it’s fair to say he did. “Build me the Bugatti of factories,” Artioli was reported to have told his younger cousin, the architect Giampaolo Benedini. And the magnificent avant-garde factory itself was at its heart. It’s like the Pompeii of the car world – an enchanting and tragic reminder of such a proud and promising chapter. After anything of value was publicly auctioned in early 1997, La Fabbrica Blu was simply abandoned and, to this day, remains frozen in time. On a shabby wall calendar in one of the now derelict offices, the fateful day the factory was sealed, 23 September 1995, is still circled. You can read a detailed take on the story of Bugatti Automobili in our no-holds-barred interview with Artioli himself, but the long and short of it is this: just five short years and fewer than 130 cars later, the marque collapsed quite spectacularly amid financial turmoil and alleged industrial sabotage. See, while the idea of setting up shop in Molsheim was one that enthused Artioli, ultimately the pool of talented designers and engineers in Italy’s ‘Motor Valley’ was impossible to resist. Affixed to its signature horseshoe grille was a tall rectangular box housing a steadily glowing flame – a novel move by the revived Bugatti’s charismatic founder Romano Artioli to symbolise the link between the marque’s illustrious past and its then-exciting future. Spearheading the cavalcade was an opulent Type 57. The occasion was the inauguration of La Fabbrica Blu – the dream factory in which the first new Bugatti in decades, the technologically ground-breaking EB110 GT, was due to be built. and Tireman Ave.On 15 September 1990, Ettore Bugatti’s 109th birthday, a convoy of 77 pre-War Bugattis travelled from the marque’s birthplace in Molsheim, France, to the sleepy industrial town of Campogalliano in Modena, Italy. "The demolition of this structure is a major step towards the completion of the Joe Louis Greenway, and we are excited to continue this transformational journey not only in this neighborhood, but throughout the rest of the city." Constructed segment of Joe Louis Greenway between Joy Rd. "Many city departments are working together to remove blight and bring real improvements to our communities," said Brad Dick, Chief Operating Officer. The 27.5-mile path will connect Detroiters in 23 neighborhoods and also serve as a regional connector to five other cities including Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park and Dearborn. With the demolition, the city will continue its Joe Louis Greenway project. Officials say the 100,000-square-foot facility at 8100 Schoolcraft will be demolished within the coming days, costing $1.6 million. "Today, we are continuing to make good on that promise, addressing a major eyesore in the community by removing another crumbling building." Crews from Detroit-based Adamo Group begin demolition "We made a promise to residents and business owners across the city, to tackle the vacant structures plaguing their neighborhoods," Detroit Demolition Director LaJuan Counts said in a statement. The factory is one of 100 vacant commercial properties planned for mitigation through redevelopment or demolition - a push by Mayor Mike Duggan. (CBS DETROIT) - Demolition of the abandoned La Choy factory in Detroit began on Monday as the development of the Joe Louis Greenway continues.Īccording to a press release, the demolition is part of the city's push for blight removal.
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