Above is an intresting article in The New York Times about the Michigan Central Station. Not much new concerning its history and of course its decay. City has voted to tear it down but hasn't the funds to pay for the demolision, The Times tends to write about these things like they discovered it. It took the city years to tear down Tiger Stadium after the last game played their. Newest idea is to house the Police Dept. Talk about Ft Detroit! Reopening as a "Hi-Speed" Station. Typical Government thinking building a grand station before they've laid a mile of track.
This station along with Buffalo are indeed America's Ruins.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
We should note this article, including the photo, appeared on the front-page 'below the fold'.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
More on Michigan Central appearing today in the Detroit Free Press.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
There appears to be renewed interest in redeveloping the Michigan Central Station property. Here are articles from both the architectural site Curbed and business related Crains.
First, as noted in both articles, there are plans to have a "Homecoming" dinner at the Station. Sure hope some "heavy hitter" doesn't get beaned by a piece of falling concrete. Owners best think "heap big wampum".
Secondly, with Amazon scouting around for a second HQ in a region away from Seattle, there are "visions" of such landing in Detroit. Give that one 1000 to 1.
But even if the property is redeveloped for commercial and/or residential use, the trains aren't coming back. Given that the sponsor, Michigan DOT, has decided that the Wolverine route is Chicago-Pontiac with Detroit being an intermediate stop, the existing station located on the Grand Trunk makes most sense for operational efficiency.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
The latest proposal, as reported by the Detroit Free Press, to redevelop Michigan Central Station comes from Ford Motor Company to establish a (sort of) downtown corporate campus.
Fair Use:
..The price tag isn't the only question that will determine whether Ford actually buys the old train station from current owner Manuel (Matty) Moroun, who also owns the Ambassador Bridge. Ford's interest in the station also has to make sense in terms of the automaker's overall strategic goals. But cost is clearly a major factor in any deal for the train station
Ford obviously accepts that the young talent they need to attract wants to live downtown and not in "way out" Dearborn. As the article suggests, perhaps the former public areas could be used for again public use, with shops, restaurants, and of course a Ford display area (with dealers of course on hand to happily "take your order").
But one thing that does not appear to be on the agenda is any kind of use as a passenger rail facility.
With the high visibility that the structure has from I-75 approaching or leaving town, likely the largest Ford logo one ever did see will be atop.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Detroit's worst-kept secret is official: The Moroun family has sold the historic Michigan Central Station in Detroit to Ford Motor Co. in a landmark real estate deal that could portend a transformation of Corktown and the automaker's re-engagement with the city where it was founded.
Matthew Moroun, son of billionaire transportation mogul Manuel "Matty" Moroun, confirmed the sale Monday morning at an announcement outside of the long-vacant train station. It has long stood as a symbol of Detroit's decline for the past three decades.
Ford Motor Co. is planning an event June 19 at Michigan Central Station in Detroit to detail its plans for the old train station and surrounding area.
"The deal is complete. The future of the depot is assured. The next steward of the building is the right one for its future. The depot will become a shiny symbol of Detroit's progress and its success," Moroun said in prepared remarks released exclusively to Crain's before the 9 a.m. announcement.
"The Ford Motor Company's Blue Oval will adorn the building."
Time to dispel notions of any rail passenger service using the facility, but for myself, as one who visits Detroit "every year or two", it will be interesting, and exciting, to see this hulk (OK, it's secured; but still an eyesore hulk) restored to both physical presence and vitality last seen during the 1920's.
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
If they built it (back), I will come. Where do you stay when in Detroit?
Funny name, Moroun. Wondering how it's pronounced; is it like "what a maroon," as we used to say?
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
My most recent stay, Oct '16, was at Marriott - Renaissance Center, which has a view of the River. I have also stayed at Westin Book Cadillac, but I prefer the former.
Other major brands such as IHG are starting to come back. The Cadillac was once a standing hulk with "underground commerce" quite prevalent. The IHG Crowne Plaza Ponchatrain was also "boarded up".
But I think if you choose to go, I think you should stick to major brand properties. Detroit has "come a long way", but there is still "a good way to go". While maybe some day, it's not yet time to make your inquiry "where is there an inexpensive, safe...."
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Within Today's New York Times, this article appears front page Business section "below the fold" and is referenced with a photo on Page 1:
DETROIT — For the past year, Ford Motor has been working on a plan to reinvigorate its operations and jump-start profit growth. Now, as that strategy is just being put into place, the automaker is taking on another big renovation project: the city of Detroit and the hulking remains of its dilapidated train station.
Ford has purchased the Michigan Central Station, the abandoned and graffiti-covered 18-story office tower and train station that looms over the Corktown neighborhood. With its smashed and darkened windows, the station had long stood as the most recognizable symbol of Detroit’s decades of decline
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
There is a Ford full page ad in The Times, but not The Journal, today. The text follows (typed by me):
For decades, this station was the place where you knew you had arrived. But once the last train pulled out, it became a place where hope left.
As parts of Detroit hollowed out, so did this station. It became a symbol of the city's hard times. A monument to its struggles.
It's time for that to change, It's time to remake this station into a place of possibility again. A place where Detroit can change the way the world moves all over again.
Bill Ford
OK; so much for the hype - now comes the hard part - the delivery.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
This weekend may be your first or last chance to peep at Michigan Central Station — ruin porn's favorite centerfold — before extensive renovations are underway.
As a part of Ford Motor Co.'s welcome celebration on the lawn of the newly purchased building on Tuesday morning, it was announced that the automaker will be offering free tours of the depot's Grand Hall this weekend. In addition to the tour, visitors will have an opportunity at a first glimpse at an unreleased documentary about the historic building and are encouraged to explore an exhibit curated by Ford and the Detroit Historical Society. It's the first time the train station has been open to the general public in... well, a very long time.
By the time I got to see MCS, the main hall had been walled off. I was there mid-70's on MILW business, but that was to the PC offices still located there.