How Detroit Saved The Most Beautiful Station In America: The Michigan Central Station

[@oldmoneymansions]

COMMENT: Are you a native of Detroit - and do you like the revitalized station?

[@borerunner8659]

I am not a local. But I am awed by the project. Impressive and well done.

[@robniederoest2132]

I got to go through it in the opening week. Its beautiful inside. I especially like how they repurposed the ticket sales offices

[@justmillenialthings]

I haven't gotten to go inside yet, the tickets are always sold out. It's only a few blocks from me and I love it. It's going to help connect southwest Detroit and Corktown which I think is a great thing.

[@donnadunaway242]

10:30 am. Jerry D here. I'm a Corktown 'kid' going back to the 40s. I miss Corktown a lot. In the 50s they torn down the apartment building where I was raised [Trumbull & Howard). What great memories of Tiger Stadium, street cars, Douglas Houghton school, & the integrated neighborhood. I shipped out of Michigan Central in 1956. Veteran! Mi. Central is 😊 gorgeous! ! Wow! How beautiful!

[@ronnyrahal8050]

@oldmoneymansions yes I am and I love it but....on accessaable to regular people it's just a fucming translation

[@chrisallen7911]

Have worried about this building for years. Thankfully it has been restored. I hope Detroit will one day become the glorious city it once was.

[@rbeck313]

As someone who was raised in Detroit during the 1990s, which was like growing up in a giant ghost town. It feels good to see my city turn back into the beautiful place my parents and grandparents knew. Our city has seen so much redevelopment that I hardly recognize old neighborhoods that once was considered war zones become nice safe spaces for people. Downtown Detroit is one of the most architecturally diverse places in America next to Chicago and it’s getting better each year. Big thanks for this video, and can you please do a video on the fall of the Hudsons Department store and how the city brought that site back to life?

[@ScratchGlass9]

And the new Hudsons high rise will be 50% to 75% vacant.

[@m42037]

That's an abandoned lot still, Detroit isn't back like it was in the 50s I want what you're smoking lol

[@rbeck313]

@ It’s not an abandoned lot, it’s actually the second tallest building in our city (Google Hudson site). I suggest you take a trip to Detroit before you comment.

[@ScratchGlass9]

@rbeck313 as MOST OF US,....we grew up in the 60s and 70s.....the Renaissance city is a frikin cesspool. Truth hurts.

[@rbeck313]

@@ScratchGlass9 I’m not sure what city you’re referring to as a cesspool but it’s definitely not Detroit 2024/25! Or just admit you haven’t been in over a decade. We’ve been voted the #1 best riverwalk in America plus our population has seen the first rise since the 50s so get your facts correct before sounding so uninformed. Real Truth!

[@empressvogt]

I'm SO glad that Ford saved that building! As an urban explorer and fan of it, THIS IS ALL WE WANT. We want buildings to be saved, and I know some can't and I've come to realize that. It's sad that they can't be saved. One of my favorite abandoned hospitals is rotting away while it's on the list. ):

[@gextreme2381]

Where's your $$$? You are shopping with emotion.

[@thomasmiltonpeters]

Born in Detroit in 1949, I was fortunate to travel a few times through Michigan Central in the early '80s as I took a trip to California and back. I've loved trains and have used them for years, but had to use the Dearborn station because of the closure of Michigan Central. Then I moved to California in 1997, returning over the years to visit my family. On my last visit I was able to see the new restored Michigan Central and my jaw dropped. What an amazing feat. And what a great investment to the revivalization of a great city. My cousin Dan Peters worked at Michigan Central and he keeps me posted on what's going on in the railroad system. In California, I got to experience the loss of another Grand part of the railroad system. I rode from Los Angeles to Seattle on the Coast Starliner on the last trip of the ornate, beautiful parlor car. It had been sold to a private interest. What a shame... Anyways, Cheers to trains!!!

[@stevevlahos1]

As someone who worked in the trades for 10 years, it is amazing to see such a beautiful building come back to life. Detroit is humming again with all the changes that have been made after its bankruptcy.

[@glenncheatham1320]

So happy it was saved and restored. Beautiful.

[@manbtm1]

Been living in downtown Detroit for 16 years, I love it ,the amount of redevelopment and new construction combined along with restaurants, lots of new retail, beautiful, hotels, and incredible riverfront and wonderful bikeways and walkways for outdoor enjoyment is truly amazing.

[@deborahlynch2580]

I was born and raised in Detroit and am so happy to see the restoration of this beautiful building! I have been there twice since it opened again and it is truly stunning. I would recommend when gong there to take a guided tour. The amount of background information on the restoration process is amazing.

[@oldmoneymansions]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@4261-u2p]

I remember going there to leave off my sister to take a train to Kansas City❤. I grew up in Detroit in the 70's and 80's and it was great my street I grew up on was very diverse and all the parents took care of us all as if we were their own. I miss that today so much😢❤

[@Lakeshore14]

The Maroun family brought the city to its knees by their utter neglect of Michigan Central. Ford Motor saved the Station and thus the Corktown area. Thank you Ford Motor. 👏👏👏

[@csteinmayer71]

My thoughts exactly. They keep showing Penn and Grand Central. Not Michigan.

[@m42037]

Hrs wrong that train stations were becoming a thing of the past, NY Grand is still booming for over 100 years

[@KatyWatson173]

The Maroun family is a blight in Detroit. Our neighborhood has been fighting them for years. They still own The Ambassador Bridge. They tried to get vital roads closed down. Especially St Anne’s access road,getting the Pope to designate her as a minor Basilica saved her and our neighborhood access.

[@Dieselfreak82]

​@@csteinmayer71 They also were showing pictures of the beams and foundation works of the empire state building...

[@jameswollenweber215]

Detroit native that was so happy to hear of the renovation plans and to now see its transformation into a spectacular gem for the city is simply great! Was down to do the tour in the summer and was so impressed. Detroit has lost so much to the wrecking ball and to hear that several of its gems are being refurbished is wonderful. The opera house the David Whitney building, the book building, the Cadillac hotel,etc. its just a shame the vision for restoration has come this late to save others like the Hudson store as memories there are unforgettable.

[@allenwayne2033]

as well as the Statler and Tuller hotels on Grand Circus Park.

[@wilsonri]

On August 23, 2024 I and 3 friends waited in a very long line to tour this magnificent structure's interior. I am a native Detroiter, born in 1949. What a beautiful renovation! Well worth a visit.

[@TheParadoxDestroyer]

As a child, was in the station several times to greet relatives arriving from out of town. I was in awe with every minute spent there. So glad to see this piece of history preserved.

[@ppeller3]

As a third generation Ford employee/retiree, I have never been more proud of Ford Motor Company! The Ford family is truly one of the great American families we can claim as being a pure Detroiter! ❤ 🇺🇲👍🏼

[@cooldog60]

Worked at Ford for over 38 years. Love Ford Mo Co.

[@nickcalcperc]

I’ve been in Michigan Central and the neighboring Newlab facility and they are even more spectacular in person. Ford has also expressed interest in brining trains back to the station.

[@KatyWatson173]

That would be great,because now if you want to go to DC or New York City you either have to take a bus to Toledo,or drive there. The train to DC leaves around midnight. It would be so much easier to leave from Detroit,the station is only 1.6 miles from my home in the Hubbard Farms neighborhood in Southwest Detroit.

[@laurie4468]

Im not from Detroit, haven't had the privilege of visiting yet. This restoration is absolutely stunning. Im looking at my old copy of Abandoned Detroit, and I'm amazed at the scope of this project. Well done, Ford and Detroit.

[@citylimits8927]

I first saw Michigan Central in the 90s when a bunch of us from our church went and visited a former member who lived in Corktown. Every time I traveled the I-75 freeway in that area in either direction, the abandoned building soared above the freeway like a haunted skyscraper straight out of Ghostbusters. It was so depressing to look at. I'm SO glad to see it restored! And they're building the new Gordie Howe bridge just south of the old Ambassador Bridge (also owned at the time by Matty Moroun).

[@toddgarvison2240]

Ford is an American Treasure. God Bless FORD for saving that building.

[@DachefBoy]

Did alot of work on this project while i was in the Bricklayers union, what a crazy job.

[@LJB103]

Why show interior photos of Grand Central and Pennsylvania Stations in NYC? I love seeing these old stations be restored and utilized. We had a beautiful local station get restored (and used as a station again) in Worcester, MA. Now if someone or a company would restore the Buffalo Central Terminal, it would be great.

[@sherrycalkins3919]

It’s absolutely beautiful and breathtaking to see this beautiful building re-imagined and fulfilling its initial purpose on mobility and community!

[@Nancy-vi4cr]

I departed from Detroit Central Station to Chicago in 1981. Detroit was very empty and was a stark contrast to the vibrant Chicago station. I am glad to see the revitalization of this beautiful building.

[@bobconrad5632]

Born and raised in Durand, MI. We are a Railroad town! Loved the Michigan Central Station in Detroit from the first time I saw it. I'm so happy that it's been restored. Thanks Ford!

[@oldmoneymansions]

Very cool!

[@CenturyHomeProject]

This is the best news ever!

[@jetsons101]

Great watch, most complete video on the Michigan Central I have seen so far. Queston: At 7:32 is that image of the Forth Railway Bridge Over the River Forth? My takeaway is First: A big thank you to Ford.... We do have two Fords in our family. Second: Don't offshore jobs--- support local and regional workers.

[@ChristopherPlom]

I am from the City of Detroit. I was ecstatic that the Ford Motor Company took it over and revitalized this wonderful building. I have not heard much of anything on the interior progress since the grand re-opening in 2023. It would be heartwarming to have periodic updates as progress continues.

[@BarryLee-z3i]

Absolutely amazing looking from what it looked like 5 or 10 years ago ! I also grew up in Detroit "Southfield & Warren" ! I went to Ruddimen way back in the"70's" it's tore down now 😔 ! I boxed at the KRONK GYM (original) at Junkgen - McGraw from 1975 - 1979 ! I knew all those boxers before they went PRO ? Micky Goodwin Thomas Hearns Jimmy Paul Duwane Johnson ? But most of all The great "Emanuel Stewart who trained me ! I sparred with Thomas Hearns and Duwane Johnson who fought the great Aaron Pryor in 1981 on wide world of sports ! He had Pryor down early on 🤗 but ran out of gas as Pryor caught up with him in the 7th or 8th I think ? I have many great memories of my city "DETROIT" !!! And yes it's true Detroit is back ? And after the Detroit Lions win the Superbowl by beating the Buffalo Bills ! Yes the Buffalo bills the same team that beat us here in Detroit to end our long winning streak ? Remember this I'm "Barry The Hare Lee"

[@billgoodwin8742]

I have lived in southeast Michigan all of my life, and since I was born in the 1950s that's saying something. And I want to thank The Ford Motor Company for bringing back the train station. Buildings like this are few, and far between.

[@j1st633]

Glad this occurred. Thanks Ford.

[@orlandofields1973]

Born and raised in Detroit since 1973. I've seen almost everything about this city, both positive and negative. Love my city

[@johnmorgan1167]

Born and raised in the Metro Detroit area, from what appeared as a haunted building for years, 😂Mich Central Station restoration is now beyond awesome, stunning, fantastic. Thank you Bill Ford for making a vision come to life! John M.

[@marciomvp9458]

I am not native but I like it very much!

[@ghayath2011]

I went there yesterday; they did an amazing job with the renovation. Really beautiful work.

[@TonyEvans-v5d]

I drove past that lifeless and eerie looking building on Michigan Ave for years, hoping Detroit wouldn't tear it down. I'm glad the Ford Family came along and saved it!

[@timhale9498]

It's so nice to see a part of history restored

[@tomredd9025]

For 25 years, I worked within walking distance of Michigan Central Station. Everyday, it broke my heart to see its terrible condition. I have been retired for 10 years now. When I went inside the renovated station for the first time it was truly a miracle. Detroit has made such progress. Of course, we should thank the wonderful vision of Ford Motor Company. However, there are literally thousands upon thousands of committed people who have made so many sacrifices to bring the city back, from people building new skyscrapers, to people renovating old homes, to people putting in community gardens or simply sweeping their street. God bless them all.

[@michaelcerza871]

To see such a magnificent structure brought back from neglect and abandonment due to changes in the city over the decades is a testament to what money and vision can accomplish! Ford Motor Company and the City of Detroit made a vision reality; and now this grand edifice will once again thrive with purpose and dedication to shaping the future of transportation!

[@cougarsstudios]

I think it looks FANTASTIC. As someone who just watched it decay for my entire life I’m so happy to see it back. It’s a beautiful piece of architecture (along with many buildings in Detroit) and Ford did an amazing job.

[@dansweet5654]

My Great Grandfather was a legal immigrant from Macedonia. He worked at Michigan Rail Road for 40 years switching RR cars. 1910 to 1950's time frame. Glad how my family participated in the economic boom of Detroit.

[@IncredibleCactusRoll]

Probably the greatest American restorarion project of the 2020s so far

[@jeffvanhusen9895]

I grew up in Redford, and Detroit was my backyard in a sense. My grandfather was shipped out of Central for WWII. Amazed to see it back.

[@lawrencelewis2592]

I was there 2 weeks ago- the transformation is astonishing! Well done!

[@bertmartin1250]

My family & I arrived at the station in May 1954, inbound from New York, fresh from Germany. My sister & I met our grandmother & an aunt for the first time. There was such a big noisy todo that a lady asked what was going on & bought my sister, 5-1/2, & I, 12, a welcome to America present. I'm 83 now & have never forgotten that act of kindness.

[@TonyPalmieri-g1l]

I'm a native Detroit born and think this renovation to the old train station is Great, it sucked for so long seeing run down.

[@taisce]

I amso happy that this building was finally restored! I have watch it for years, just hoping!

[@markgrumblatt7260]

I was born in Detroit in 1956. By then the station was dirty and not well kept. I always wondered what it looked like in its hey day, now I'm given the opportunity to know. To Ford motor, I thank you for the beautiful work you've done.

[@paulbetka6477]

DETROIT'S THE LUCKY ONE 🙏🏻🙏🏽 HAVING FORD MOTOR COMPANY 👍🏻🇺🇸❤️

[@randycoleman6065]

I commuted from Ann Arbor to Detroit on Amtrak’s “Michigan Executive” from the summer of 1976 to the fall of 1978. This service used the Michigan Central Station, which was already rather deteriorated. It’s wonderful to see that it has been restored.

[@dirtthunder1638]

Not a Detroiter but I'am very happy it was saved.

[@cougarsstudios]

Thank you

[@Bradlykins]

I would have never known of this beautiful monument, to how people traveled, had it not been for this video. I'd like to visit Detroit and see this beautiful structure.

[@AM-jb7oz]

Interesting history, thank you for the video. And a big Thank You to Ford Motor Co. for saving the building.

[@victorwilliams2190]

Remember going to New York citys worlds fair in 60 's Great memories of Michigan Central Station Grandeur 🚉 and New York city's World 🌎 fair 24 - hour nonstop activities 😊

[@Hey_Its_J_ay]

I am not a native but looking to move to Detroit. BRAVO to Old Money Mansions, what a brilliant well made video. I was so impressed with your work. What a tribute to this wonderful station and to Detroit. I just subscribed, what an amazing channel this is.

[@oldmoneymansions]

Glad you enjoyed it Thank you so much!

[@cougarsstudios]

If you’re thinking about moving here, there are so many old buildings that have been saved just like this one. It’s really interesting to watch

[@threewood62]

Best thing Ford family ever did for the city of Detroit 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@javiersanchezmejia2350]

Wonderful renovation beautiful building 👍

[@latricegoodman9769]

I am a Detroit Native and so glad we saved The Michigan Central Station.

[@ScratchGlass9]

For what ?

[@SisterShirley]

​@@ScratchGlass9 For the good of SE Michigan And heck, why not?

[@kbal781315]

17:31 I visited the station for the first time today and it is amazing I can’t thank ford motor company enough they have made more than a building they have generated hope and a new future for Detroit

[@johnpauljones9244]

It looks lovely. ❤

[@darroniverson]

Detroit didn't save this building. FORD saved this building.

[@Jamieprv]

and the taxpayers of Michigan

[@SisterShirley]

​@@Jamieprv At least, this time, our money went to something good, and was not wasted. IMHO, of course.

[@divox9pqr]

My first trip to Detroit was through Michigan Central Station on Amtrak. I would love to see trains return to Central Station soon.

[@staudtj1]

Thank You Bill Ford and All at FMC!

[@MichaelMott-he2uv]

The train station renovation is another milestone in the recovery of Detroit. Just a beautiful place; very reminiscent of the detailed renovation of the Fox theater 30 years ago. My only hope is that the building gets full occupancy with businesses. Capping the complete changeover wouldn't be complete without the buzz of people carrying about their business in this space.

[@robertr6675]

As a 1967 draftee, went to Ft Knox for boot camp via this train station. Along with 1,000 others.

[@herrdrayer]

I look forward to arriving at the Michigan Central station on a train again sometime.

[@DeForestEveland]

I was about 4 years old when my family went down to the Detroit Train Stations to see my Uncle Bill go off to war in the Pacific. I remember the Red Caps who handled all the luggage. I also remember starting to cry when I was left alone for a minute while my family gave my Uncle Bill their last hugs before he dissapeared in the huge cavernous station.

[@donaldshattock6414]

Great channel

[@j1st633]

Now let's bring back the auto industry.

[@bones007able]

Nice to hear a corporation reinvest back into the city for the good of all people

[@kevinheggi5419]

I plan to visit in 2025.....I never thought I would "vacation" in Detroit. That's coming from a Kid from GARY INDIANA

[@lemapp]

Other cities tried to duplicate the Detroit Union Station. Here in Norfolk, Virginia they built a smaller version only 7 floor of offices. The station failed to 'unify' the rail traffic in the city. The office tower was mostly empty. The station is long gone, a minor league baseball stadium occupies it's former site. Amtrak has a small corner of the parking lot. Note: Richmond also failed to unify its rail traffic. Famously having two grand stations with passengers racing between the two.

[@davidkimmel5153]

Thank goodness an American Company came to its Rescue. Thank You Ford.

[@ronnyrahal8050]

I am a native ..Not sure why it's not open to the public ? Why it is so protected and it's so difficult to get access is think thats stupid it should be easily accessible and open to the public....i did sneak in before it was open and saw it all...but its like the new toy at christmas which stays in the box

[@jaynareynolds3684]

8:15 yeah right! ....Cars destroyed Detroit. LOL

[@lotus65]

I was born in Detroit, but the family chose to move just after the 1967 civil unrest. I've been bullish on the city since 2011, and since the bankruptcy, the elected and appointed officials have worked ACTUAL MIRACLES, to which I am so proud to see and even visit when I can. There's still a great deal of progress to go, but Detroit is America's true Phoenix (apologies to Arizona😊).

[@paulcossu8107]

So, Michigan Central Station and Navin Field, later Tiger Stadium were under construction at the same time.

[@aresee8208]

Back in the middle 1980s, I was on my way to a meeting in Warren, MI, and took a detour to see the Detroit station when it was still open. It WAS impressive, but I think there were only two or three scheduled trains in each direction. As I walked around the station, I only saw two other people. The guy at the ticket window, and a janitor mopping the floors. It was a little strange, and clearly a sign that Amtrak wasn't going to keep it open much longer.

[@aresee8208]

Too bad, though, that they abandoned and then demolished old Tiger Stadium which was also in Corktown. It would have been a nice sight to see both the renovated station and the stadium still in the neighborhood.

[@paulreynolds7000]

glad such a building has been restored and found a new purpose for Detroit which Dan Gilbert and Rocket Mortgage have helped revitalize.

[@lacithedog5506]

Born there, but left at a very young age. I did go to Michigan Central Station in the late 70s when it was beginning its decline. I'm glad to see its being rebuilt. But I am not vry hopeful for Michigan and Detroit.

[@richards5593]

Thank you ford motor Fabulous Renovation By ford motor company

[@TWOCOWS1]

Wonderful work. Thank you. Just one thing: You should not be showing shots and clips of New York's Grand Central station and the Penn stations for this building. It gives the wrong impression and deceives your audience

[@kevdalev]

Definitely AI edited

[@TWOCOWS1]

@@kevdalev and AI narrated

[@dbtransportllc7009]

Watch the fireworks one time there before was really bad back in the day

[@paulhelman2376]

I am from Detroit 1941-67 with much family still ther. Currently the Detroit stop for amtrack is an outdoor platform not Union Station where it should be. Fortunately the Chicago end of that train still is housed in a great historic building such as Detroit abandoned for the purpose for which it was designed.

[@paulhelman2376]

Centra not Union.

[@sw5114]

At 1:55 You are clearly showing Pennsylvania Station in NYC. The glass-roofed ceiling at Penn was considerably higher than Central Station, Detroit.

[@csteinmayer71]

~2:00 You keep showing images of New York Grand Central Station not Michigan Central.

[@asylumlover]

AS A NATIVE MICHIGANDER, WHO HAS BEEN STUCK IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA FOR SOME YEARS NOW, I GREW UP IN THE OAKLAND COUNTY AREA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WOULD HAVE FIRST SET FOOT IN THE GREAT PUBLIC HALLS OF THIS MONUMENT AS A KID IN THE EARLY 1970S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MAYBE THEN A FEW MORE TIMES BY THE EARLY 1980S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE ABANDONMENT AND DECAY OF THIS MONUMENT WAS HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I NEVER THOUGHT THAT I WOULD BE GRATEFUL TO A MULTI- BILLION DOLLAR CORPORATE INTERNATIONAL CONGLOMERATE FOR ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT THIS RESTORATION APPEARS TO BE GLORIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO HATS OFF TO THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND LONG LIVE THE OLD MICHIGAN CENTRAL RAILROAD DEPOT AND IT'S MEMORIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HOPE TO SOMEHOW GET BACK THERE AND AGAIN WALK THOSE GLORIOUS PASSAGES IN THE NEAR FUTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cougarsstudios]

Pennsylvania is great and has so many similarities to Michigan. Detroit is looking FANTASTIC these days

[@duben55]

Such a beautiful, important building! The aim of this video is honorable and should be as important. Whoever edited, shame on your quick uninterested, zero research work. 1913 is not 1930; in another glimpse:1940s London children being transported to the countryside? Such a cheap approach! A celebration of this caliber deserved at least one historian on board. What a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was missed here.

[@joannapolowy4647]

I am so happy it was saved. I do think its funny that they used stock footage of WW II children being evacuated from London.

[@TomSnyder-gx5ru]

"Detroit" is what destroyed the station, FORD is what saved it - get it right!

[@leo5mani]

I did the tour. Why don’t Ford display a period correct train on the property? They have plenty they could use from the museum. A train on display would be 🍒

[@sparkeyjames]

The title should read how The Ford Motor company saved the michigan central station.

[@melchezi8818]

Ford took away all the trollies Detroit once had so people would be forced to buy their cars, now Ford takes over the train station so Detroit cannot have any trains. :(

[@Obamaistoast2012]

Detroit didn't do shit, Bill Ford saved it from demolition.

[@marismusings]

ConStruction began in 1912 And was ready to rock 1 year later. Lol um, okay.

[@ALVINEL-e4v]

Detroit didn't save the Michigan Central Train Station --the Ford Family Saved the Central Train Station, the City Counsel years ago wanted to raze the building, but due to Manny Moruon holding on to the building, it was rehabbed right on time to be seen as a Amazing Structure in 2024 and beyond far into the future ....

[@ferrodell2194]

Has the entire grand building been fully restored?