Ford Motor Company is revitalizing an iconic symbol of Detroit's past, the abandoned Michigan Central Station, into a new technology campus and mixed-use property. The $950 million project includes the restoration of the 18-story train station and adjacent buildings. Ford Chair Bill Ford believes that investing in this historic site is crucial for talent acquisition and retention in today's competitive job market.
The Michigan Central Station, once a marquee transit building, has been dormant for over three decades. During this time, it became an infamous symbol of Detroit's economic decline. The structure was left to decay with graffiti covering its walls and parts stripped for reuse or salvage.
Detroit filed for bankruptcy in 2013, marking a turning point in the city's history. Since then, efforts have been made to revitalize Detroit and attract businesses back to the area. Ford's investment in Michigan Central Station is part of this ongoing process.
The restoration project involved extensive work, including 3D-scanning rooms, matching materials, referencing historical photos to recreate parts of the building, and even reopening a quarry to source original limestone. The goal is to preserve the station's history while bringing it into the modern era.
The Michigan Central Station was initially announced for restoration in 2018 and was expected to open by 2022. However, delays due to the coronavirus pandemic and extensive renovation work have pushed back its reopening.
Ford's new technology campus is not only a significant investment in the company's future but also a symbol of Detroit's economic resurgence. The project is expected to create jobs and attract businesses to the area, contributing to the city's ongoing revitalization efforts.
