opening of Michigan Central Train Station, 1913, Detroit, Michgan, USA
one of the great historic icons in Detroit
the last train came through in 1988
it became a victim of neglect. abuse, theft, time, and the elements
the locale for a number of end of world/armageddon films
the city couldn’t afford to demolish it
bill ford (grandson of henry) bought it in 2018
these 2 pics, above and below
show how it looked on the last day we could go in
before it was shut down and renovation plans began
he had plans to
make it ford world headquarters
create a newlab technology hub
support the surrounding neighborhood
develop a 30 acre campus
restore the parks around it
after 6 long and incredibly challenging years
at last restored and ready
he returned this landmark
to it’s original luster
the city could not have a greater gift.
“how soon country people forget. when they fall in love with a city it is forever, and it is like forever. as thought there never was a time when we didn’t love it. the minute they arrive at the train station or get off the ferry and glimpse the wide streets and the wasteful lamps lighting them, they know they are born for it. there, in a city, they are not so much new as themselves; their stronger, riskier selves.”
-toni morrison
I didn't have my glasses on.... 