On June 6th, Michigan Central Station will begin welcoming people back after more than three decades. What was once a symbol of Detroit’s decline will now represent its renewal and bright future. This will be a place that not only embraces our community, but also encourages visitors, the best companies and the smartest talent from around the world to join us in Detroit. I look forward to celebrating together in June!
Around 15 years ago I snuck into the Michigan Central Station. I was alone at the time. The building completely abandoned and in total disrepair. It was actually a frightening experience as I was completely unsure what I might find. After an hour or so I gathered the nerve and began exploring. What I found was arguably one of the most captivating physical spaces I have ever entered. The place was metaphysically radiant; I can remember it as if it were yesterday. I left the building completely spellbound by the experience and decided that I wanted to paint a large scale allegory modeled after Poussin’s The Triumph of David. Big, bold, baroque, high-drama with the neoclassical columns of the MCS as the backdrop to a spotlighted Rising Assembly Line Worker from the River Rouge Plant along with sieur de Cadillac, Rosa Parks, and other prominent figures from Detroit (including Henry Ford of course). I had “The Triumph of Detroit” in mind… and the reason is because The Michigan Central Station was always going to Triumph. One step in and you knew that it was going to be great again. I was never able to finish my plans, it’s one of my biggest life regrets but I’m elated to see it rising! Congratulations Ford and God Speed Detroit!
Magestic! When young, my grandmother spoke about going to Michigan Central and how beautiful it was. She said everyone was "dressed to the nines!" while bustling through the massive halls. After its closure, she often spoke of how sad it was to drive by the dilapidated building sitting starkly dark. If only she could see it now! How it would make her heart leap! Thank you Ford family for having the vision to bring this anchor of Detroit back to her original glory!
Can't wait!
Thanks Mr Ford for bringing this piece of Detroit’s history back to life. I appreciate that the Ford family continues to invest in Detroit long after many of your peers bailed out I wish more people and cities (my own included) cared about preserving, restoring and repurposing historical and architecturally significant buildings far too many have met the wrecking ball. Looking forward to seeing this building up close, something I haven’t been able to do since being a young child
What a legacy, can’t wait to see it! Thank you Ford.
It’s great to see this great Detroit landmark saved!
Terrific!
This has been highly anticipated and such a great way to continue to move #detroit into a new light as it continues to shine bright and show the world the innovation that comes from our great city and #automotiveindustry!
foreman at Henry Gurtzweiler
1yOn the roof