Dodge Chicago Plant
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The Dodge Chicago Aircraft Engine Plant was a World War II defense plant that built the majority of the B-29 bomber aircraft engines used in World War II.
[edit] History
Construction of the plant was started in 1942, and it was in full operation by early 1944. The plant design was initiated by noted automotive plant designer Albert Kahn and his company. The plant is seen as an influential design landmark of American industrial manufacturing facilities.
The main building of the Dodge Chicago plant covered eighty-two acres and occupied over 30 city blocks. Although Mr. Kahn died prior to the completion of the project, he was influential in the innovative design that efficiently utilized precious war time materials used in its construction.
The B-29 Superfortress Bomber was used in the strategic bombing campaign of Japan. It was the largest aircraft to see service in WWII. Each B-29 Superfortress utilized four of the massive Wright R-3350 - Cyclone 18 Cylinder 2,200 horse power engines built at the Dodge Chicago Plant. There were nearly 4000 of these aircraft produced when the B-29 was retired from service in the 1960s.
The Dodge Chicago plant marked an all-time high water mark of cooperation and success between the efforts of the American government, industry, and labor. It also set an early standard for providing an environment of racial and ethnic cooperation and tolerance.
After the war, the plant was utilized by several automobile manufacturers including the Ford and Tucker Torpedo Motor Companies. The plant was constructed near South Cicero Avenue and 72nd Street in Chicago's West Lawn community. To this day, portions of its buildings still house what is now the Ford City Mall.
