Michigan Central's last train left 36 years ago -- here's a look inside after extensive renovations
DETROIT (FOX 2) - For the first time in decades, Michigan Central is bustling with more than just construction workers after a massive renovation project to save the historic former train station.
Two important dates in the building's history just passed: the day it was formerly dedicated and the day the last train left.
Michigan Central formerly dedicated
Michigan Central Station was formerly dedicated on Jan. 4, 1914, though it had been open for a few weeks.
The plan was always for Michigan Central to open in January 1914, but opened on Dec. 26, 1913 after a fire at the old train station forced the date to be moved up. The first train out of the station was headed to Saginaw Bay, while the first train arrived from Chicago.
Last train leaves Michigan Central
The last train departed for Chicago on Jan. 5, 1988.
This closure came after the once bustling train depot struggled for years.
Michigan Central before and after photos
After the last train left Michigan Central in 1988, the building was left to rot for the next three decades, until Ford purchased the old depot. Check out these before and after shots of Michigan Central:
Train travel decline
The station's main waiting room closed in April 1967 but reopened after Amtrak took over the station.
Amtrak acquired Michigan Central in 1971 and did more than $1 million in renovations. This included adding a bus terminal to the building. The main waiting room reopened in 1975.
The station would remain open for more than a decade after that area reopened, but the upgrades weren't enough to keep the station going.
After the last train left, the building quickly fell into disrepair and became a symbol of financial downturn and struggles in Detroit.
It would remain empty with an uncertain future until Ford Motor Co. purchased the building in the summer of 2018 and promised to revive the building.
Michigan Central history: A timeline of historic train depot's fall to decay, revival
Michigan Central spent 30 years empty, becoming a symbol of Detroit's decay, but before that it was a bustling hub for train travel in and out of the city. Here's a look back at key moments in the depot's history as the grand reopening nears:
What's Michigan Central like now
Almost immediately after sharing the news that Michigan Central had a new owner, crews got to work renovating the building. Last June, the public finally got to see the results of that work when Michigan Central opened with a concert, followed by tours.
The main floor is open to the public, while Ford employees have started moving into the upper levels. Plan a visit to Michigan Central here.
Currently, Michigan Central is home to Yellow Light Coffee & Donuts, Neighbor X Folk - a store selling Detroit and Michigan goods, and a gift shop featuring train station-themed products.
Crews spent countless hours working to restore what could be saved and replicate what was beyond repair.
There are lights that were crafted using old photos and drawings, and 3D-printed pediments that took a trip all the way to Maine to recreate them perfectly.
In the grand waiting room, you'll find restored marble floors. Look at the ground where the benches once were, and you'll see the marble eroded from the feet of passengers awaiting their trains.
While in that waiting room, look up. On the ceiling is a mix of old and restored tiles, which are held up by more than 8 miles of grout.