Michigan Central Station Address: 2405 W. Vernor Hwy. Built: 1913 Architect: Warren & Wetmore, Reed & Stem There is no building that symbolizes the rise, fall and tentative rebirth of Detroit quite like "the old train station". Designed by the same group responsible for New York City's landmark Grand Central Terminal, Michigan Central Station is a grandiose Beaux-Arts structure that was a source of gleaming civic pride for generations of Detroiters. It replaced the original structure of the same name that once stood at Third and West Jefferson. The older station was shuttered after being badly damaged by fire on December 26, 1913. For 75 years, Michigan Central was the site of countless arrivals, farewells, send-offs to war, etc. Sadly, since the last train departed in January of 1988, MCS has become a universal icon of urban blight, helping give birth to the term "ruin porn". In 1995, billionaire Emanuel "Matty" Moroun purchased the property through his company, Controlled Terminals, Inc. Moroun also owns the Ambassador Bridge, which connects Detroit to Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Plans for redevelopment have come and go, varying from headquarters for Detroit Police Department, Michigan State Police, a convention center/casino and trade processing center. However, with the redevelopment of Corktown in recent years, it seems that better days may be ahead for the iconic ruin. Since 2011, there have been efforts to spruce up the building's appearance, including replacement of the roof and installation of windows. In 2014, it was reported that the owners of Michigan Central Station were moving forward with plans to start rehab of the structure. Permits were issued to install a 9,000-pound freight elevator. #Detroit #Westside #SouthwestDetroit #Corktown #BeauxArts #WarrenandWetmore #ReedandStem #WestVernor #archi_ologie #deserve2preserve #RawDetroit #PureMichigan #PureMittigan #MotorCityShooters #PureDetroit #PureDetroit313 #DepictTheD #VisitDetroit #Michiganders #TheMidwestival #IGersDetroit #IGersMidwest #detroit_igers #ThisPlaceMatters #ThisPlaceMattersDetroit #MichiganPlacesMatter #SavingPlaces (at Michigan Central Station Preservation Society)
