Michigan Central

Construction begins

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

MCS opens

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

Henry Ford begins buying land

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

MCS peak

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

Passenger traffic declines

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

MCS added to National Register of Historic Places

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

Last train out of MCS

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

Matty Moroun-owned Controlled Terminals Inc. acquires MCS

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

Council votes to demolish MCS

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

Moroun family commits to replacing windows

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

Ford announcement

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

Plan to open

Ford plans to open doors to the newly renovated MCS.

Michigan Central Station opens

Following an extensive six-year renovation by Ford Motor Company, Michigan Central Station reopens.