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Historical places #11 in Detroit

Michigan Central

4.8 · 2,594 reviews
Innovative and grand
Michigan Central, 2001 15th St Suite 101, Detroit, MI 48216, United States
Interesting facts
1

The station was designed by the same architects behind New York City's Grand Central Terminal.

2

The project restoration involved the installation of over 4,800 new windows to match the original design.

3

Workers used more than 23 acres of scaffolding during the restoration process.

4

The main waiting room features original Guastavino tile ceilings that were meticulously cleaned and repaired.

5

During its peak in the 1940s, more than 200 trains departed from the station daily.

6

The train terminal ceased all rail operations in 1988 before falling into severe disrepair.

7

The exterior walls contain over 15 million bricks.

8

The restoration team utilized historic photographs to recreate missing ornamental details throughout the building.

Overview

Michigan Central is a revitalized historic train station transformed into a technology and innovation campus. Originally opened in 1913, the building underwent a massive multi-year restoration after decades of vacancy. The site now serves as an anchor for the Corktown neighborhood, housing corporate offices, retail spaces, and public gathering areas. The main concourse has been rehabilitated to preserve its original Beaux-Arts architectural elements. It acts as a hub for mobility-focused startups and Ford Motor Company operations. Public access is provided to specific ground-floor sections of the station's concourse. The redevelopment project connects the station with the surrounding Bagley Mobility Hub.

Photo spot

The center of the main concourse looking up toward the vaulted ceilings.

Insider tips

Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the concourse.

Check the official website for community event listings, as the station periodically hosts public tours and tech showcases.

Explore the surrounding Corktown area for local restaurants and coffee shops after your visit.

What to avoid

Assuming all levels of the building are open to the public, as many floors are private office spaces.

Good to know

Ground-floor areas may be closed to the public during private corporate events or specialized tech conferences.

Etiquette

Business casual; avoid blocking pedestrian traffic in office-designated areas.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday afternoons for a quieter atmosphere or during community event days for full building access.
Address
Michigan Central, 2001 15th St Suite 101, Detroit, MI 48216, United States
42.329, -83.078
Get directions
Details
Architectural StyleBeaux-Arts Classical
Primary Restoration FeatureOriginal Guastavino tile ceilings

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday afternoons for a quieter atmosphere or during community event days for full building access..

The center of the main concourse looking up toward the vaulted ceilings.

Close by you'll find Comerica Park, Campus Martius Park, Sound Board Theater.