DETROIT (WXYZ) — Ford has revealed what the area around the rehabilitated Michigan Central Station will look like, once the project is complete.
It was unveiled during a virtual community meeting that was streamed on Facebook.
The project is being called "an inclusive, vibrant and walkable mobility innovation district in Corktown" and stems from Ford's investment in the Michigan Central Depot, which is currently undergoing renovation after the company purchased it in 2018.
The 30-acre site plan includes the former train station, the Albert Kahn-designed Book Depository, which is adjacent to the station, new construction to the west of the station, and The Factory, Ford's already completed home for their 250 member autonomous vehicle business unit.
Ford says central to the plan is a "first-of-its-kind mobility platform on the elevated train tracks behind the station, with new open spaces throughout that connect site buildings and welcome the community."
The site plan has been developed over 18 months, which included more than 100 hours of discussion with stakeholders from the city and community. According to Ford, feedback from residents led to the addition of "more public amenities, green spaces, walking and biking trails, public art and open areas that can be activated and used in all-weather conditions. It ensures the station’s magnificent views will not be blocked and that Southwest Detroit residents can easily access and enjoy the district, a key ask from the community."
It also calls for retail, open space, and public amenities like a grocery store and daycare facility.
You can see renderings in the images provided by Ford below:
