MICHIGAN CENTRAL STATION

Built in 1914, this building is one of the great symbols of the city. Imposing in both size and style, it perfectly reflects the lost splendour of Detroit. His Fine Art style was designed by Warren & Wetmore and Reed & Stern, also authors of New York Central Station. However, this superb station has suffered a sad fate, largely because of its location. The project's thinkers wanted it to be off-centre, in order to develop the Corktown district. But quickly the great depression of 1929, combined later with the suppression of trams in the city that allowed residents to get to the station, would precipitate its closure. As soon as the Second World War ended, its owners tried to sell it, but could not find any buyers. In 1970, the Amtrak railway company decided to resume operation of the station, but this only lasted for a time. In 1988, a last train left the platforms of Michigan Central Station, leaving the station abandoned, although acquired by the Moroun family in the 1990s. Only a few works have been carried out, notably to install new windows on the building, pending a real renovation. In 2009, the city council even passed a resolution to demolish it. But on June 11, 2018, after months of rumours, the official announcement made the headlines: Ford Motor Company becomes the owner and occupant of Michigan Central Station. A development project to follow!