Detroit, Michigan – A historic Detroit landmark has been given new life by Ford Motor Company. After sitting vacant for over three decades, Michigan Central Station has been completely restored through thousands of hours of skilled labor, turning it into a hub of innovation for the automaker and the city.
Purchased by Ford in 2018, Michigan Central Station was once seen as a symbol of Detroit’s decline. However, with the dedication of 3,100 skilled-trades people over the past six years, the station has been revitalized as the centerpiece of Michigan Central, a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood.
Ford’s transformation of the abandoned train station is not just about adding a new workspace for its employees. The company envisions attracting other businesses, entrepreneurs, and students to the area to foster innovation and create products and services that benefit both Ford customers and society as a whole.
“This iconic building represents not just Detroit’s past, but also its future potential,” stated Ford CEO Jim Farley. The reopening of Michigan Central Station signals a turning point in the city’s narrative, showcasing how urban decay can be transformed into a catalyst for growth and innovation.
Originally designed by architects behind New York’s Grand Central, Michigan Central Station opened in 1913 and once catered to 4,000 daily passengers. However, a decline in rail travel led to its closure in 1988, leaving the building susceptible to neglect and vandalism until Ford stepped in to restore it.
Beyond the restoration of the station itself, Ford has also transformed the surrounding 30 acres into a hub for innovation and urban renewal. With plans to accommodate over 1,000 employees this year and aspirations to double that number by 2028, the Michigan Central district is poised to become a vibrant epicenter of creativity and growth.
In addition to office spaces for Ford’s Model e and Integrated Services teams, the station will feature a dedicated youth programming floor, green spaces, and cultural events. This holistic approach aims to not only revitalize the physical space but also create a supportive environment for the next generation of innovators and creators in Detroit.