I was fortunate to work on the Ford Land site what seems like ages ago. I recall some of the conversations about the restoration and how things 'found their way back' to Central Station as restoration had begun. After the years of neglect that the station went through over time the building had fallen to decay and disarray. Objects of value long removed and only the shell of its previous self remained. The historic restoration of this Detroit Monument is an outstanding example of a global company investing in the past to create a more united future. I recall a sign that said "City of Tomorrow". It was out of order, but remained among the skeletal structure once a bustling train station, surrounded by debris, limestone toned beams, cement, debris, and the dust of once was. I thought that it was ironic being in this environment among the rubble and decay. But, at the same time — that sign represented a vision that would become a reality. One that would infuse blood into the heart of a on-the-rise city that was once shaped the world we live in today.
Used as an environment representing Gotham City, in Batman V Superman — it seemed apropos that Detroit, and Michigan Central Station be a cinematic representation of an environment like that. There are actually a lot of shots from Michigan Central Station in that movie (also of Detroit in general). The opening of the movie should look familiar to many Deoroiters and those that work downtown. Now a long way from that environment that worked as a character in and of itself.
The stories of the station, and the centrality of this as it relates to historic stories, human events and MCS as a hub that pins some of these historic events is one of great tales of the area. I recall pitching a touchscreen project that captured the historic evolution of of Michigan Central Train station around the time the updated Ford Land site launched. I heard some of the stories during that time while working on the project. Some even since. Working with the Archived photos during the initial launch, the evolution, development and opening of the Michigan Central Station, captured on the scanned slides of yesterday. Like a time capsule exposing me to the glorious past of a city that had taken it's hits and left the station as a devolving remnant of its once glorious past, I had a glimpse of what once was — and what might become again.
I wonder. What will these tales bring to the people who come through Michigan Central Station? What will the totality of those stories amount to. What narrative will be told with the MSC as a core character in these stories.
Only time will tell. BUT, it's certain to capture the heart, lives and impacts of the time and add to the story that started with Ford re-igniting the ignition of this station for new generations to come. Bravo. Ford. Bravo.
The Station was shaped by the people who once traveled and worked within its corridors.
Help preserve The Station’s story by sending your vintage Michigan Central Station photos to: https://lnkd.in/gGXkJiwr
📸 by Detroit Historical Society
