Ford's $1 Billion Renovation Transforms Michigan Central Station into a Tech Hub

Ford Motor Company has invested $1 billion in renovating the historic Michigan Central Station in Detroit, converting the once-abandoned 640,000 square foot building into a new hub for technology, culture, and community.

The six-year project, which began in 2018, involved restoring the 18-story train station, now known as 'The Station,' along with an adjacent 270,000 square foot former book depository building and other supporting facilities. The total investment includes $300 million in state, local, and historic rehabilitation tax incentives.

Bill Ford, Executive Chair of Ford, emphasized the significance of the renovation: '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.'

Why this matters: This investment in Michigan Central Station reflects the city's efforts to revitalize its economy and infrastructure, showcasing Detroit's potential for growth and innovation. The transformation of this iconic building into a tech hub could have a significant impact on the local community, attracting new businesses and talent to the area.

Originally designed by architects Warren Wetmore and Reed Stem, the same team behind New York City's Grand Central Terminal, Michigan Central Station opened in 1913 and saw 4,000 daily passengers at its peak. However, it was shuttered in 1988 and sat vacant for three decades, becoming a symbol of urban decay.

The renovation project, which took over 1.7 million hours to complete, involved meticulous restoration of the building's original features, including vaulted ceilings and tall columns. Construction teams used both old and new technology to ensure historical accuracy, even reopening a long-closed quarry in Indiana to source the original stone for the exterior.

The Station now provides 640,000 square feet of cultural, technology, community, and convening spaces designed for use by established companies, universities, startups, youth initiatives, and students. Approximately 1,000 Ford employees will work in the district by the end of the year, with a goal of 2,500 employees by 2028.

The grand reopening concert on June 6 will feature headliners Jack White and Diana Ross, and will be streamed live on Peacock. Following the concert, Michigan Central will be open to the public for an open house from June 7-16.

Ford's investment in Michigan Central Station is part of a larger vision to create a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood. The campus, situated blocks from the Detroit River and in close proximity to I-75 and I-96, seeks to promote creative partnerships and collective problem-solving among a diverse range of constituents.

Michigan Central Station's transformation from a symbol of decay to a hub of innovation reflects Detroit's broader resurgence. As Bill Ford stated, 'We have an opportunity with this building to really put an exclamation point on all that and to prove to the world that Detroit is not yesterday's Rust Belt news, but it is really a place of the future.'

The renovation of Michigan Central Station embodies Detroit's resilience and potential for growth, symbolizing a new chapter for the city and its communities.

Key Takeaways

• Ford invests $1 billion in renovating Detroit's Michigan Central Station.
• The 6-year project transforms the 640,000 sqft building into a tech hub.
• The station will feature 640,000 sqft of cultural, tech, and community spaces.
• 1,000 Ford employees will work in the district by end of 2024, growing to 2,500 by 2028.
• The renovation symbolizes Detroit's resurgence and potential for growth.