The sad story of Michigan Central Station

Built in 1914 this station replace the original station in downtown Detroit, which was lost after a major fire on December 26, 1913. Standing at 18 stories tall this was the tallest rail station in the world at the time of its construction. During the stations busiest time more than 200 trains left the station each day. In the 1940’s more than 4,000 passengers used the station per day. Including Herbert Hoover, Harry Truman, Franklin Roosevelt, Charlie Chaplin and Thomas Edison.

The last train left the station on January 5, 1988. It sat empty through much of the 1990’s becoming vulnerable to vandals. Every window in the structure was broken out and anything of value was stolen. The once gorgeous inside is now completely unrecognizable. Many city officials have recommended it be demolished, coming close to succeeding many times. Since then the windows have been replaced and all the water that was in the basement has been drained. There is also a barb wire fence around it to keep any vandals out. But so far no plans have been said of the future of the building.

Unfortunatley there are a countless number of buildings in Detroit that have been lost in the fall of the automotive industry in Detroit. But as a Michigander this one just breaks my heart. Such a gorgeous building sitting empty being destroyed. Hopefully one day this building can become useful and have life brought back to it again.

Are there any abandoned places you would like to know more about? Let me know in the comments!