During peak production at the six-factory, 235-acre complex, the company employed as many as 28,000 auto workers and turned out hundreds of Buicks and other large-model cars each day. Buicks were manufactured at the facility for about 100 years until production ceased in 1999.

GM has engaged Chicago-based Jones Lang LaSalle to market the site. The auto giant says the RFP is the first step toward planned future redevelopment for the site, which could be redeveloped for industrial, commercial, recreational, residential or institutional/educational uses.

"We're optimistic to see this property redeveloped to fit the needs of the community," says Doug Rothwell, executive director, GM Worldwide Real Estate. "GM is looking forward to continuing our relationship with the state and local organizations and working with Jones Lang LaSalle to identify a potential new use for this property." GM is working with the City of Flint, the Flint-Genesee Economic Growth Alliance, the Flint Economic Development Corp., the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and the governor's office on potential redevelopment options for the site.