2nd Place, Historic
Completed in 1913, Michigan Central Station embodied Detroit’s economic stature, welcoming countless travelers before its abandonment in the 1980s. Community members rallied to restore the station, recognizing its significance in Detroit’s narrative. Efforts to revitalize this historic landmark began in 2011.
The rehabilitation of the elegant Beaux Arts building is a transformative mix of public spaces and collaborative office settings and will host a range of retail and hospitality functions in Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood. The landmark is the centerpiece of Ford’s 1.2-million-square-foot district dedicated to fostering an inclusive, innovation-driven platform to advance sustainable and accessible mobility solutions.
PHOTOS: Jason Keen unless otherwise noted
Although part of an everyday working district, careful consideration was taken to give the ground floor back to the public. Maintaining access from multiple directions, including a connection on the east to the newly rehabilitated Book Depository “Newlab,” the historic north entry from Roosevelt Park, and opening up to its southwest community neighbors, invite visitors to experience the various scales of detail and care that went into restoring the building.
In addition, Quinn Evans incorporated storytelling moments throughout the design. Interactive opportunities of found artifacts, personal-connection stories and restoration challenges, as well as the building’s timeline, are available throughout the ground-floor public spaces.
Preserving Michigan Central Station’s historic fabric was rife with challenges. Being open to the elements for decades allowed water to infiltrate the building and settle and freeze on significant architectural elements, such as the Guastavino tile. More than 3 million gallons of water were removed from the basement.
Despite widespread deterioration and loss of original materials because of vandalism and environmental exposure, meticulous salvage efforts retained critical architectural elements. Innovative material solutions balanced preservation with modern construction demands and allowed for significant retention of the original structure. By retaining the majority of the structure, as compared to new construction, the project resulted in a 63 percent reduction in total carbon emissions.
This historic restoration is jaw- dropping. The detailing is flawless; the use of lighting is impeccable; and the varying color tones provide a depth that captivates all who enter. Beautifully done.
Samantha Scimé, AIA, NCARB, architect, social media marketing director, KMF Architects
Retrofit Team
Architect: Quinn Evans
General Contractor: ChristmanBrinker, www.christmanco.com, brinkergroup.com
Structural Engineer: Silman Structural Solutions
MEP Engineer: Buro Happold
Fire Protection and Life Safety Engineer: GHD
Conservation: Jablonski Building Conservation Inc.
Historic and Exterior Lighting Designer: Gary Steffy Lighting Design
Acoustics Consultant: Jaffe Holden
Materials
Brick: The Belden Brick Co.
Masonry Repair: Jahn from Cathedral Stone Products Inc. and Conproco
Fiber-reinforced Polymer: Glassline
Windows: Graham Architectural Products
Skylights: Super Sky and Viracon
Storefront: Graham Architectural Products and Tubelite
Metal Panels: Drexel Metals
Pavers: Wausau Tile
Guastavino Tile: Boston Valley Terra Cotta
Acoustic Ceiling: Rockfon
Paint: Sherwin-Williams
Window Shades: Draper