After decades of silence, the once-abandoned Michigan Central Station in Detroit is alive again — and it’s all thanks to Ford Motor Company. In 2024, Ford completed a massive, six-year restoration project to bring this iconic landmark back to life. What was once a symbol of decline has now become a beacon of innovation, history, and hope for Detroit and the future of mobility.
At Chuck Anderson Ford, we’re proud to be part of the Ford family that celebrates both tradition and transformation — because Ford’s story is not just about vehicles; it’s about people, progress, and community.
1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
816-648-6419
www.chuckandersonford.com
Built on Integrity. Backed by Family.
A Detroit Landmark Reborn
Originally built in 1913, Michigan Central Station was once the heart of Detroit’s rail network — a grand Beaux-Arts masterpiece bustling with travelers, workers, and opportunity. When the last train left the station in 1988, it stood vacant for more than 30 years, becoming a haunting reminder of Detroit’s industrial decline.
Then, in 2018, Ford stepped in with a bold vision: to restore the station to its original beauty while transforming it into the centerpiece of a new mobility innovation district.
After years of meticulous restoration — from rebuilding marble columns to preserving the vaulted ceilings and grand hall — Ford officially reopened the station in June 2024. The event, called Michigan Central OPEN, welcomed thousands of visitors back into the station for the first time in decades, marking a proud moment for Detroit and for the entire Ford community.
A Hub for the Future of Mobility
Ford didn’t just restore a building — it reimagined what a mobility campus can be. The new Michigan Central campus spans more than 30 acres in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood and serves as a center for innovation, collaboration, and education.
Here’s what’s happening inside the walls of the restored station and its surrounding campus:
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Ford’s Model e and Integrated Services teams are based here, focusing on electric vehicles, software development, and connected mobility.
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Tech startups and research partners are moving in, creating a hub for collaboration on everything from urban design to next-generation vehicle systems.
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Public spaces — including shops, cafes, and cultural exhibits — connect the community to Ford’s innovation.
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Green spaces and walkways are being developed to tie the campus to Detroit’s growing urban landscape.
This blend of heritage and high-tech design perfectly reflects Ford’s vision for the future — a future where mobility, sustainability, and community come together.
The Economic and Cultural Impact
Ford’s investment in Michigan Central Station represents nearly $1 billion, making it one of the largest private restoration projects in U.S. history. But it’s more than just an investment in infrastructure — it’s an investment in people.
By reopening the station, Ford has:
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Created thousands of jobs in construction, technology, and development
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Revitalized Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood with new energy and opportunity
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Preserved a key piece of American architectural history
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Signaled a long-term commitment to innovation and American manufacturing
Already, over 1,000 Ford employees are working inside the station, with plans to grow that number to 2,500 by 2028. The campus is also attracting entrepreneurs, educators, and innovators from around the world.
Ford’s Symbol of Strength and Legacy
The reopening of Michigan Central Station represents everything Ford stands for: resilience, innovation, and progress.
When Henry Ford founded the company over 120 years ago, his dream was to bring mobility to the masses. Today, by blending advanced technology with respect for history, Ford continues that mission — proving that true innovation doesn’t erase the past; it builds upon it.
The restored Michigan Central Station stands as a symbol of Detroit’s resurgence and Ford’s continued leadership in the automotive world. It shows that Ford isn’t just shaping the future of vehicles — it’s shaping the future of entire communities.
What’s Next for Michigan Central Station
The reopening of the station is just the beginning. Ford plans to continue expanding the Michigan Central campus with new amenities, including:
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Retail and dining options within the station
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A luxury hotel opening in the upper floors
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Cultural and educational programs designed to engage Detroit’s next generation of innovators
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Public art installations and event spaces that celebrate the city’s creative spirit
It’s a place where innovation meets inspiration — and Ford’s next chapter is being written right inside its historic walls.
A Future Built on Heritage
At Chuck Anderson Ford, we share Ford’s passion for community and progress. The reopening of Michigan Central Station is more than a corporate milestone — it’s a reminder that the American automotive spirit is alive and thriving.
Just as Ford rebuilt a piece of history, we’re proud to help our customers build their future — one vehicle, one family, and one drive at a time.
Chuck Anderson Ford
1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
816-648-6419
www.chuckandersonford.com
Built on Integrity. Backed by Family.