Detroiters were treated to their first glimpse inside the newly restored Michigan Central Station on Friday. This follows the station’s grand re-opening celebration and concert on Thursday night.
These exclusive tours, which required advance registration, continue daily through June 16, although all slots are fully booked. However, the public can enjoy self-guided tours on Fridays and Saturdays through August.
Michigan Central Station: A Historic Revival
Michigan Central Station, a symbol of Detroit’s rich history, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Acquired by Ford in 2018, the station has been meticulously restored, honoring its past while embracing a new future. The first floor, which will eventually house shops and other amenities, is set to open to the public in September.
Visitors on Friday experienced this blend of history and modernity firsthand.
John Martin: An Ambassador’s Joy
John Martin, a Michigan Central ambassador, was thrilled to greet guests at the Grand Hall. Having worked in Detroit for years, Martin is no stranger to the city’s transformations. Now, welcoming awe-struck visitors is a joy. “People come in here amazed, and it’s wonderful to see their reactions,” he said.
Streets Reopening and Smooth Traffic Flow
By Friday afternoon, Michigan Avenue, previously closed for Thursday’s festivities, reopened to traffic. Despite the influx of visitors, the area experienced no major congestion. Approximately 1,800 visitors had toured the station by 3 p.m., with an expected total of 5,000 by the day’s end, according to Michigan Central spokesperson Dan Austin.
Preserving the Details: A Moving Experience
Christina Roki and Grant Sloan, automotive content creators from the Detroit area, were moved by the care taken to preserve the station’s history.
“The detail Ford put into keeping the original character, like the old graffiti and tickets, is incredible,” Roki said. For Sloan, the transformation from a decaying relic to a revived landmark was particularly poignant.
Jennifer Serra: Eager to Return
Southwest Detroit resident Jennifer Serra, who set an alarm to secure her tour tickets, was captivated by the station’s renewal. “It’s like a symbol of Detroit’s resilience and renewal,” she said. Although her visit was brief, she plans to return soon to soak in more of the station’s restored grandeur.
Tom Schultz and Sylvia Ross-Schultz: Detroiters at Heart
Lifelong Detroiters Tom Schultz and Sylvia Ross-Schultz were eager to see the station’s transformation. “This is another jewel in Detroit’s comeback,” Sylvia remarked. The couple, along with relatives who have deep ties to the station, were thrilled to witness the revival of a building that once seemed destined for demolition.
Donny and Paul Wilson: Ready for the Future
First-time visitors Donny and Paul Wilson were impressed by the restoration. Donny, an influencer, is excited to bring his family to see the station’s future shops and hotels. Paul, who viewed the station as a ruin for most of his life, marveled at how much of the building’s original structure was preserved.
Memories Rekindled
Bob and Shari Bilkie of Northville reminisced about their early days in Detroit as they waited for their tour. With family ties to the railroad and fond memories of Detroit’s old landmarks, they were touched by the station’s transformation from an eyesore to a stunning piece of history. “It’s amazing to see something so decrepit turned into something beautiful,” Shari said.
A Global Fascination
NPR reporter Bobby Allyn, who has a keen interest in Detroit due to its cultural influence, particularly in techno music, shared his excitement about visiting the station. “Detroit’s global impact is profound, especially in music,” he noted, reflecting on the city’s significance to Berliners.
Detroit’s Energy: The Day After the Concert
The morning after Thursday’s concert, Corktown was quieter but still buzzing with activity as workers dismantled the stage and prepared for the day’s tours. The station, filled with the sounds of Motown and techno, bustled with last-minute preparations to welcome the day’s visitors.
A New Dawn for Michigan Central
As the restored Michigan Central Station opens its doors to the public, it stands as a testament to Detroit’s resilience and renewal. With every tour, visitors witness not just a building, but a piece of Detroit’s heart and history brought back to life.