After six years of meticulous restoration, Ford Motor Company has triumphantly reopened the historic Michigan Central Station in Detroit.
This monumental project, which cost hundreds of millions of dollars, culminated in a grand reopening event from June 6-16, known as Michigan Central OPEN. Beginning June 7 until the 16, The Station’s doors open to the public for a 10-day immersive OPEN House experience to see the landmark’s restored first floor. The station, which has long stood as a symbol of Detroit’s vibrant history and resilience, is once again welcoming the community with open arms.
“Michigan Central means a great deal to us all. In many ways, this building tells the story of the city,” said Bill Ford, executive chair of Ford. “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.”
The reopening event was a spectacular celebration of Detroit’s rich cultural heritage, featuring an all-star lineup led by Eminem, Diana Ross, Jack White, Big Sean, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Eminem, alongside Paul Rosenberg, executive produced the evening, showcasing Detroit’s iconic soundtrack with special performances by Common, Melissa Etheridge, The Clark Sisters, Fantasia, Jelly Roll, and several surprise guests. Big Sean took a moment during his performance to reflect on the significance of the station.
“It was an abandoned building. You probably would see a lot of bums in here, a lot of graffiti, a lot of craziness like that but what’s cool about the train station is it’s been through every era of Detroit,” he said. “It’s been through the riots, it’s been through Motown, it’s been through the automotive industry, it’s seen us be bankrupt and be at the very bottom of our city – so the fact that it has gone through all this pressure and now it’s a diamond, it really is a diamond that came out of the rough, I feel like it’s an oasis right in the middle of the city.”
Originally opened in 1913, Michigan Central Station was once the tallest train station in the world and a bustling hub for travelers and immigrants. However, after the last train departed in 1988, the building fell into disrepair, becoming a symbol of Detroit’s economic struggles. Ford’s acquisition and subsequent renovation of the station marks a significant chapter in the city’s ongoing revitalization.
Michigan Central
Station’s reopening event in Detroit on Thursday, June 6, 2024
The restored station is poised to become a mixed-use space, blending retail, offices, and public areas, serving as a beacon of innovation and community engagement. Ford’s investment in the station is not just a commitment to preserving Detroit’s architectural heritage but also a pledge to foster economic growth and technological advancement in the area.
As the community gathers to celebrate this milestone, Michigan Central Station stands as a testament to Detroit’s enduring spirit and a symbol of hope and renewal for the future. The grand reopening event has reestablished the station as a cultural and social landmark, bridging the city’s storied past with its promising future.
