From a symbol of despair to a beacon of hope – How has Michigan Central Station defined Detroit over the last century?

DETROIT (WWJ) – Michigan Central Station, built in 1913, once served as a shining beacon for the American powerhouse that was the burgeoning Motor City.

But as Detroit’s automotive success changed the world, train travel became far less important to Americans. The gorgeous landmark train station in Corktown transitioned from a beacon of hope to a symbol of the city’s failure.

After decades as an eyesore for the city, another transition is on the horizon, thanks to Ford. With what some say is a renaissance underway in the Motor City, the train station is again on its way to being a beacon of hope. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark covers the checkered past of the Corktown landmark.

Ford is transforming the station into a new mobility innovation hub that will not only serve as a key working place for the future of the auto industry, but a gathering place for the community, complete with restaurants, retail and a renovated public park.

Last week WWJ Auto Beat Reporter Jeff Gilbert got a tour of the grand old station to see the progress that's been made.

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