Overview

The centerpiece of Ford’s Corktown vision is Michigan Central Station, a beloved Detroit landmark that was acquired in June 2018. The station and a number of nearby properties Ford now owns will anchor a 1.2 million-square-foot innovation hub that draws on talent at Ford and beyond. Our Corktown developments, along with Ford’s transformation of its Dearborn campus currently underway, will create a mobility corridor driving the future of transportation.

Being in the heart of Detroit provides the perfect setting for Ford teams, and our partners in technology, mobility and government, to collaborate on building smart vehicles for a smart world. Corktown will be the place to test out our mobility concepts and city solutions and understand the role transportation plays in revitalizing cities. And Corktown serves as the fulcrum for the company’s push into an autonomous and electrified world.

Community

Our significant investment in Corktown will amplify the ongoing strength and resilience of the neighborhood, the City of Detroit and all of Southeast Michigan. Building on the incredible community already in Corktown, Ford will work together with our new neighbors to integrate entrepreneurship, small business, arts and mixed-use community spaces. Our mission has always been to build better communities everywhere by starting with the ones we call home. It’s how we create tomorrow, together.

Scope

Catalyze an innovation hub for Ford and the world to realize the future of transportation. Through a mix of new offices, retail, housing, parks and community places, Ford and its partners will help energize one of Detroit’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

Size

1.2 million square feet, encompassing the Michigan Central Station, the old public school book depository, a former brass factory, a refurbished former hosiery factory (in operation as “The Factory”) and development of 45 acres of vacant land.

Current Presence

Since May 2018, Ford’s dedicated electric vehicle organization (Team Edison) and autonomous vehicle business teams have been based at The Factory.

Future Presence

5,000 new jobs will be created in Corktown — 2,500 from Ford and 2,500 from our business partners who will help us build an innovation ecosystem.

Michigan Central Station Timeline

1912 – Construction begins on Michigan Central Station, designed by Warren & Wetmore, architects of NYC’s Grand Central Terminal

1913 – MCS opens in December, a year early, due to a fire at Michigan Central’s old depot

1920s – Henry Ford begins buying land around the station, but Great Depression squelches plans

1940s – At its peak, MCS serves more than 4,000 travelers a day and houses 3,000 office workers

1956 – Passenger traffic begins its steady decline, leading to service cuts; a $5-million sale of station falls through

1975 - MCS added to National Register of Historic Places; waiting room is formally reopened

1988 - Jan 5th at 11:30 AM, 74 years after the first train steamed in, Train No. 353 to Chicago becomes last train out of MCS

1995 – Matty Moroun-owned Controlled Terminals Inc. acquires MCS, unveiling restoration plan which never happens

2009 - City Council votes to demolish MCS, but an election, budget constraints, and a lawsuit arguing for its historic merit, prevail

2015 - In a compromise with the city of Detroit, the Moroun family commits to replacing windows at MCS

2018 – Ford announces plans for reconstruction of the MCS as new hub for mobility capital of the world.

2022 – Ford plans to open doors to the newly renovated MCS

Book Depository Site Road Closure

Notification: Monday, June 24 through Sunday, June 30

15th Street will be closed between Dalzelle and Marantette to complete some demolition work on the Book Depository building.

Brass Factory Site Demolition

Notification: June 11, 2019

During demolition of the former brass factory on Tuesday, June 11^th a low pressure gas line was struck in at approximately 3:15 pm. As a precaution, businesses and homes in the area were evacuated and the Detroit fire department and DTE were called to the site. At 5:00 pm, the gas line valve was closed by DTE and the area was declared safe for normal activities to resume. We continue to conduct real time air monitoring of the area and demolition work of the former brass factory is on hold until further evaluation of the entire site is completed. Safety is our top priority at Ford and we appreciate the patience of the neighboring residents and businesses during this time.

Where is the demolition taking place and what’s the timing for the project?

As part of our Corktown development, Ford will demolish the old Lincoln Brass Works property at 2051 Rosa Parks Boulevard. The work will be done in phases, starting with the installation of safety systems and monitors followed by the cleaning and removal of the interiors.  The external demolition will run from May through end of June. Finally, foundation and site remediation work will take place July through September.

When are crews working onsite?

Standard working hours onsite are 7:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Where can I go for more information?

Ford has published an Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) which you can read here. This plan outlines the work being performed and the measures taken to ensure any potential exposure or dust creation is being monitored and controlled. There are also project information boards located at the Ford Resource and Engagement Center at 2826 Bagley Street and at the project site along Dalzelle Street and Vermont Street.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about Ford’s Michigan Central Station and Corktown campus transformation project, you can email us at corktown@ford.com or leave a message at +1-313-845-3673 (313-845-FORD). Responses will be provided within two business days.

If you’re interested in leasing space within Ford’s Corktown campus, please contact Derric Scott, Senior Manager – Sales, Leasing and Development at dscot182@ford.com or 313-322-6862.