Ford Motor Co. is celebrating its purchase of Detroit's long vacant train depot that the company plans to redevelop for research and development of self-driving vehicles.
The company's executive chairman, Bill Ford, has used the Michigan Central depot as a backdrop while publicly laying out plans for the 105-year-old train station and surrounding neighborhood.
On Tuesday, the automaker held a public event outside the 500,000-square-foot building.
Bill Ford said Tuesday that the company is re-imagining mobility and "making a big bet on" its future with the investments.
He says the depot and 17-story office tower will be redeveloped over the next four years.
The last passenger train left the station in 1988.
Governor Snyder was on hand and said, "I appreciate the incredible commitment that Ford has to the city of Detroit. This is an exciting day not just for Ford and the city of Detroit, but the entire state of Michigan. This iconic train station has long been a symbol of the city’s decay, but from this day on it will be indicative of Detroit’s incredible comeback and all that is possible for the Comeback City’s future.”
Lt. Governor Brian Calley added, “Ford’s plans to give the Michigan Central Station new life is huge for Corktown, all of Detroit and the entire state of Michigan. Thank you, Ford Motor Company, for your continued commitment to Michigan’s Comeback City. The Michigan Central Station was a symbol of Detroit’s rise and fall. It will now tell the story of Detroit rising again.”
A businessman purchased the building in the mid-1990s, but it remained empty and became blighted, exemplifying Detroit's long decline from manufacturing powerhouse to bankruptcy.
