Blog Posts

The train station itself was too big to fail

The biggest rumor in Detroit was finally confirmed earlier this week: Ford Motor Company bought Michigan Central Station and will start to build a big presence in Corktown. The company will unveil its plans June 19 in a community celebration at the old train station. Then, we’ll start to learn about what seems to be a very big change for the neighborhood—and for Detroit. Below, we answer a few questions we’ve heard since the rumors started earlier this year.

What’s the deal with Michigan Central Station?

This grand beauty has towered over Corktown and Southwest Detroit for over 100 years. Opened in 1913, Michigan Central Station—or Depot, depending on who you ask—stands 18 stories high with a once-grand lobby three stories tall. It served as a bustling hub for transportation for decades—many area residents over the age of 40 remember boarding trains at the station.

But the last train rolled through in early 1988, and scrappers started ravaging the building. The Moroun family—who also own the Ambassador Bridge—bought Michigan Central Station in 1995. Since then, they’ve paid taxes on the building, but didn’t do much to protect it for a long time. It’s been the backdrop of countless movies, photos, and videos showcasing Detroit’s demise. Many thought it wouldn’t be saved, but also that it was too big to fail—how’s that for irony.

Several plans for the station have come and gone over the years, including demolition, new police headquarters, and a casino. But none of them were ever the right, until Ford came along.

But why is this such big news for Detroit?

There are a few answers to this one. Perhaps most importantly, the train station has long been the symbol of decline for Detroit. It’s been documented in films, national and international coverage of the city, and thousands of photos. Locally, it’s towered in stark contrast with one of Detroit’s trendiest neighborhoods. The symbolism here is huge.

It’s also a win for preservation fans. The task of renovating Michigan Central Station has seemed too big for a long time, and the Morouns had to find the right buyer to take on the massive structure.

It’s equally remarkable that Ford Motor Company—one of the Big Three that are so closely tied to the decline of the economy in Detroit—would be the one to take on this project. Ford is mostly located in Dearborn, a suburb to the west of Detroit. It hasn’t had a presence in the city since it left the Renaissance Center in the ’90s.

In May, the company moved over 200 employees into a refurbished building in Corktown—the Factory on Rosa Parks and Michigan Avenue. We don’t know how many employees Ford plans to move into the city yet, but we know they’ll be involved with autonomous vehicle development.

And Henry Ford didn’t actually love Detroit—or cities or unions. This is a Ford Motor Company for a new generation.

Why would Ford want to buy a big, expensive train station in Corktown?

Ford hopes this move will attract a lot of talent, or at least young people who would rather work in an urban environment than a suburban campus, and the renovation of the train station is a big selling point. Corktown is also a very walkable, trendy neighborhood with historic homes and buildings, bars, and restaurants.

What properties are in play in Corktown for Ford?

The real question is, what properties aren’t in play? Ford has bought the train station and its neighboring book depository, and the blue oval has already moved into the Factory on Michigan Avenue. But publications have linked other Corktown properties to the plan, including many lots between Michigan Avenue and I-75.

Some larger warehouse-type properties have gone up for sale lately; we have to believe something has to happen with the CPA Building (long-abandoned and sometimes threatened with demo) where crews were recently seen boarding up the building even more. The Roosevelt Hotel sits in the shadow of the train station and has been owned by Dennis Kefallinos for years; there’s certainly opportunity for residential units or some sort of hotel here.

For now, this is speculation; we’ll soon find out just how big Ford’s footprint will be in the neighborhood.

How much will it cost to renovate the train station?

Since we don’t know Ford’s plans yet, it’s hard to say. Considering the enormity of the train station—and all that’s been stripped from it—it will easily go into the hundreds of millions of dollars. The Morouns added historically inaccurate windows back in 2015, but otherwise the old depot has just been sitting, waiting. For comparison, Bedrock currently has a $313 million price tag on the Book Tower renovation. We’d have to think MCS would cost more.

Is it possible to see inside the train station?

Until recently, only construction workers and a few lucky guests at press conferences and the Detroit Homecoming event have been able to see inside the 18-story building. The train station also used to be popular with urban explorers, but it’s been locked up tight for the past few years. But that is about to change: The Detroit News reported that Ford will open the lobby to the public, which is incredible and exciting news in itself.

Ford is hosting a large press conference/announcement of plans on June 19. The public is welcome, but must register. We’re hearing the train station itself won’t be open—the press conference will be held outside.

What could this mean for Corktown and the surrounding neighborhoods?

When we put this question to readers a few months ago, many didn’t think this news would be as big as it’s now becoming. But Mayor Mike Duggan said this week that the move will be “one of the most significant developments in recent Detroit memory.”

Let’s be honest, Corktown is already a competitive real estate market. Two large developments are underway at Michigan and Trumbull—Elton Park and the Corner. There’s still plenty of land ready for development near the freeway and west along Michigan Avenue. This move should mean more investment in the area, but some longtime business owners have expressed concerns over being priced out of the area.

We imagine we’ll see more real estate activity in Southwest Detroit and—hopefully—more commercial activity west down Michigan Avenue. The Free Press recently talked to business owners along that stretch. With a renovation project this large, Ford will likely seek tax credits, meaning there could be a big community benefits package.

Will long-time businesses and residents be priced out? There’s so much speculation right now that it’s hard to gauge what might happen here. Land itself will be a hot commodity—here’s a parcel listed for $2 million.

As mentioned in the earlier open thread, infrastructure improvements to the area would be greatly appreciated.

Is it crazy to think this could lead to quicker transportation lines between Detroit, Dearborn, and Ann Arbor?

Let’s keep dreaming big. Michigan Central Station is being revived—anything is possible.