Following a comprehensive six-year renovation by Ford Motor Company, the historic Michigan Central Station is set to reopen its doors to the public, showcasing the meticulously restored interior of its ground floor. This momentous event, part of the Michigan Central OPEN, will take place from June 6-16, welcoming the community to experience the transformation of this iconic landmark.
A New Era for Michigan Central Station
Ford embarked on this ambitious preservation project after acquiring the long-abandoned train station in 2018. The aim was to establish the station as the centerpiece of Michigan Central, a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood. This hub will serve as a collaborative space where Ford employees, external partners, entrepreneurs, students, and competitors can co-create innovative products, services, and technologies.
“Michigan Central means a great deal to us all. In many ways, this building tells the story of our city. This Station was our Ellis Island – a place where dreamers in search of new jobs and new opportunities first set foot in Detroit. But once the last train pulled out, it became a place where hope left,” said Bill Ford, Executive Chair of Ford Motor Company. “In 2018, I decided it was time to change that by reimagining this station as a place of possibility again.”
A Restoration Marvel
The restoration project, led by Ford and Michigan Central, assembled a team of experts to revive the Beaux-Arts building, restoring everything from its classical façade to its ornate interiors, including the Grand Hall with its 54-foot Guastavino tile vaulted ceiling. Since renovations began in late 2018, over 1.7 million hours have been dedicated to returning the station to its original grandeur while integrating modern technology and infrastructure.
“Michigan Central will advance mobility solutions that help solve some of society’s biggest challenges. It will also be a powerful catalyst for growth and an economic engine for this region,” said Joshua Sirefman, CEO of Michigan Central.
Ford’s Commitment and Vision
Ford is among the first tenants of the newly restored station, with plans to move employees from its Ford Model e and Ford Integrated Services teams into the renovated office space later this year. By the end of the year, approximately 1,000 Ford employees will work across the Michigan Central district, with a goal of increasing to 2,500 by 2028.
The 640,000-square-foot hub will feature cultural, technology, community, and convening spaces designed to inspire creative collaboration among companies, universities, startups, youth initiatives, students, and other stakeholders.
A Beacon of Innovation and Community
Michigan Central is already home to Newlab, a community of over 600 employees from nearly 100 companies and startups. These entrepreneurs and inventors are focused on fields like advanced aerial mobility, energy equity, and multimodal logistics. Newlab provides a unique testing environment, including the first electrified public road and Bagley Mobility Hub.
Additionally, the station will support local organizations such as CODE313, dedicated to providing equitable access to STEAM education for Detroit youth. This includes enrichment camps and workshops, bridging the digital divide through career readiness and workforce development.
A Historic and Modern Revival
The renovation of Michigan Central Station honors its storied past while embracing modern technology. For instance, Ford utilized 3D scanning and printing techniques to recreate intricate architectural details. This blend of historical preservation and innovation ensures the building’s legacy and future relevance.
From June 6-16, Michigan Central OPEN will feature a series of events, including an opening night concert, immersive experiences, and public tours of the station’s restored first floor. The station will also unveil a new public park on its former rail yard, designed for sustainability and inclusivity.
The reopening of Michigan Central Station marks a new chapter for Detroit, transforming a once-abandoned landmark into a thriving hub of innovation, culture, and community engagement.
