Ford Motor is undertaking a transformative project in Detroit by restoring and reopening an abandoned train station, Michigan Central Station, that was once a symbol of the city’s decline. The $950 million project includes the renovation of the 18-story train station, an adjacent building, and supporting facilities. Initially announced in 2018 with a target opening date of 2022, the project faced delays due to the coronavirus pandemic and extensive renovation work.
Despite the challenges, Ford celebrated the restoration of the century-old train station on Thursday. The ground floor of the building will be open to the public until June 16 before commercial occupants move in this fall. The project comes at a time when many companies are downsizing office spaces and accommodating remote workers. However, Ford Chair Bill Ford Jr. believes that investing in the historic train station is crucial for the automaker’s future and talent acquisition efforts.
Ford recognized the importance of attracting top talent to Detroit, acknowledging that it can be a challenge to convince workers from California or the East Coast to relocate to the city. He believes that showcasing a place like Michigan Central, with its beauty and the exciting things happening there, will be a valuable resource for the company going forward. The Michigan Central campus is located in Corktown, a trendy neighborhood southwest of Detroit’s main business district.
Ford officials went to great lengths to restore the train station to its original glory. The project involved 3D-scanning rooms, matching materials, and referencing historical photos to recreate parts of the building. Graffiti from the station’s dormant years was intentionally preserved to represent its history. The restoration efforts were meticulous, even tracing the facility’s original limestone to a reopened quarry in Indiana.
With about two-thirds of the tower already having scheduled tenants or planned use cases, including a restaurant and hotel pending rezoning approval, the project is off to a promising start amid national commercial real estate challenges. The adjacent building, known as the Detroit Public Schools Book Depository, already houses over 600 employees from nearly 100 startup companies. Ford plans to house at least 2,500 employees in the train station building, primarily focusing on the electric vehicle and connected services teams.
Bill Ford has a history of undertaking significant projects in Detroit, including moving the Ford family-owned Detroit Lions to downtown Detroit and redeveloping the River Rouge Assembly plant into a sustainable production facility. He sees Michigan Central as a continuation of these projects and describes it as a “legacy project” for himself and those involved. Ford believes that the restored train station will not only be a wonderful place to work but also a destination for the public.
In conclusion, Ford’s restoration of Michigan Central Station represents a significant investment in Detroit’s future and talent acquisition efforts. The project showcases Ford’s commitment to revitalizing the city and competing with newer tech companies. By creating a modern technology campus and mixed-use property, Ford aims to attract top talent and provide a great place to work. The restoration of Michigan Central Station is not only a testament to Ford’s dedication but also a symbol of hope for the city’s revival.
