Once abandoned train station in Detroit became a hub for new types of transport in the US
Published on Aug 31, 2025 at 7:49 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Aug 27, 2025 at 9:18 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The once-abandoned train station in Detroit, Michigan Central, now has a new lease on life thanks to Ford.
Michigan Central was once left to rot before Ford restored the iconic building and allowed it to represent a fresh start for the once-bankrupt city.
The station reopened in 2024, having sat abandoned since 1988. Now it’s become one of the most important parts of the city, and is integral to its history.
While it no longer serves as a train station, it has a different, but important purpose.
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How Ford saved the iconic abandoned train station
The station shut in 1988, and over time, it fell into decay and disrepair, with no one sure of its future.
In 2018, Ford, with the help of President Bill Ford, bought the station and attempted to bring it back to life.
Remarkably, Ford paid $90 million for the station despite its damaged state.
At the time, the station was owned by the family of Manuel Moroun, who was a Detroit entrepreneur.
The hope was to erase the memory of Ford’s bankruptcy.
This occurred in 2013, and the station will now serve as a point of pride for the embattled city.
Thanks to Ford’s efforts, it looks like the station is now back to its former glory.
What purpose does the reopened Michigan Central serve?
Now rebuilt, the station serves as a center dedicated to the future of transport.
The station will be used to facilitate the development of startups.
Companies can develop new technologies and road test them around the station area.
It allows those companies a chance to test their ideas and products in a real-world environment.
That is a luxury that many startups might not be able to utilize.
So it could prove pivotal for the future of the automotive industry.
Michigan Central will also be used as a hub to transport various parts by drone to Canada, helping them to avoid any traffic jams.
For many years, the iconic building looked like it would be left to rot and crumble.
Now, it has a whole new purpose, and it remains one of the most iconic landmarks in the Motor City.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
