Day 36: Michigan Central Station in Detroit, Michigan

by Paul Manoian on February 5, 2010

If you have ever driven through Detroit, Michigan, you have likely noticed an ominous building standing about a mile west of the old Tiger Stadium, 2 miles southwest of downtown Detroit.  It is none other than Michigan Central Station.

It was built in 1913 and served as the passenger rail depot for the old Michigan Central railroad.  It is located in the Corktown district of Detroit and has been abandoned since 1988 when Amtrak ceased service.  It was almost demolished in 2009; however, Stanley Christmas stepped in to save it stating the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act.

It is an amazing building.  The architecture is beautiful in every way, it was designed by the same firm that designed the New York City Grand Central Station.  It is hard to believe that the original price was $15 million dollars … in 1913!

As I mentioned in a previous post, Detroit really has some remarkable architecture.  I hope someone is able to raise the funds necessary to restore this particular building.

I captured this shot very late in the day on my drive home after a long day.  I wish the gray skies had allowed more sunlight through to highlight all of the crevices.  I would also love an opportunity to photograph the interior!  It’s a good thing I was using my tiny iPhone since my DSLR never would have been able to capture a shot through the barb wire and chain link fence used to keep intruders out.

iPhone 365 Project 36: Michigan Central Station in Detroit

iPhone 365 Project Day 36: Michigan Central Station in Detroit

Related posts:

  1. Day 27: Saint Thomas Lutheran Church in Detroit, Michigan
  2. Day 25: Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Detroit, Michigan
  3. Day 144: Detroit Michigan Ren Cen
  4. Day 13: Downtown Detroit, Michigan I-75 Sunset
  5. Day 14: Ford Field – Home of the Detroit Lions

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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Trudy February 5, 2010 at 10:37 pm

Beautiful shot. Your iPhone shots astound me.

Chris Horner February 6, 2010 at 12:42 pm

Very cool shot Paul. Nice capture. The beauty of this building (even in its current condition) is amazing.

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