I had the opportunity today to thank the thousands of construction workers who worked over the last six years to restore Michigan Central Station. It’s because of these amazing men and women that we will be able to reopen the Station for the community and world on June 6. I loved coming down to the Station during construction and talking to the workers, many of whom said this was the hardest project they have ever worked on. I also heard stories about why this was so meaningful to them. This is where many of their families first arrived in Detroit and it represented all of the possibilities ahead of them. Thank you to everybody who has been part of this incredible journey. I hope you take pride in what this Station will mean for our children and grandchildren. Photo by Stephen McGee.
John Hansen
1mo
I had first witnessed this amazing structure 24 years ago, while working at a Ford facility, and was horrified to see that it was abandoned upon closer observation. Knowing what it takes to reclaim something like that, I had my doubts as to whether it would ever come back, but I did dream… The other awe inspiring experience had been visiting the library downtown, particularly the National Automotive History section, and I dearly hope that will be shown similar consideration in the future.
Walter Fournier
2mo
This is a Detroit Icon tens of thousands of families relied on to connect to the world. It’s an inspiration to see it spring back to life in the fabric of Detroit’s tradations and Ford’s future. Thank you!
Marc Bronzetti
2mo
Six years ago I was one of many volunteers for the open house after the Ford announcement of its purchase. In my shift that day, people non stop walked up to me thanking me (just a volunteer), and Ford Motor Company for embarking on this task. The emotion in these people’s voices and their eyes was just incredible that day, and in a few weeks I’m sure they will be back with warmth in their hearts to see this beautiful structure restored.
Ed Poplawski
2mo
Last time I was there was July 1966 when I got drafted. Took the train to Ft Campbell Kentucky for Basic Training. What great memories!! 😂
Stephen McGee
2mo
It was an honor to shoot this today and talk with you. This is a world changing project in a city that is changing the world. Onward to June 6.
Jackie Regan
2mo
Puts me in mind of this poem by Charles Franklin Benvegar.... "As I watched them tear a building down A gang of men in a busy town With a ho-heave-ho, and a lusty yell They swung a beam and the side wall fell I asked the foreman, “Are these men skilled, And the men you’d hire if you wanted to build?” He gave a laugh and said, “No, indeed, Just common labor is all I need.” “I can easily wreck in a day or two, What builders have taken years to do.” And I thought to myself, as I went my way Which of these roles have I tried to play' Am I a builder who works with care, Measuring life by rule and square? Am I shaping my work to a well-made plan Patiently doing the best I can' Or am I a wrecker who walks to town Content with the labor of tearing down? “O Lord let my life and my labors be That which will build for eternity!”"
Joe McMillan
2mo
Congratulations on a successful transformation of the decrepit train station into a world class mobility and productivity center that will move us forward for the next millennium beyond our wildest dreams. Your vision will continue the Ford legacy of making the world a more meaningful place to inspire and innovate. Thank you for your imagination and follow thru to completion.
Bill Ford Carolina Pluszczynski - this has got to have been the labor of love that goes beyond the “ROIs” and “KPIs” of the moment. Congratulations to you and to the many behind, within, and in front of the building that stands tall as a testimony to will of the past and a determination to build a better future for all. Here’s wishing you all the best as Michigan Central becomes the gateway to the many partnerships and innovations ahead on the road to the future of sustainable mobility. -Prasad
Chris Ruzzin
2mo
Hi #BillFord, I'm HUGE fan of yours, and of the #FordMotorCompany for many years. In addition, I'm a HUGE #DisabilitiesAdvocate for People with Disabilities around Metro-Detroit. I would welcome the opportunity to come evaluate the #ADA accessibility throughout of New #MichiganCentral #TrainStation sometime before it opens to the public. Please feel free to reach out to me at 248-770-1845. Thank you, @ChrisRuzzin 5/17/24 #WheelchairLife Permobil #Detroit #PureDetroit #PureMichigan
Upfitter Specialist at Ford Motor Company
2moSomething tells me with GM recently abandoning the Ren Cen, Ford will follow suit in Dearborn. I know it's been stated that the train station was always supposed to be the EV headquarters for Ford, but the truth is, there is no future in EV vehicles. Something tells me Ford is leaving Dearborn and moving to Detroit for some sort of Tax incentives.