From Dark Hollow Quarry to Michigan Central Station

Posted on by farlane
Removing a Limestone block from the quarry

Quarrying limestone for Michigan Central Station

A post on the Historic Detroit Facebook reminded me of this great post the Christman Company shared last year about the care for detail in the renovation of Detroit’s Michigan Central Station that extended even to getting limestone from the original quarry:

At Michigan Central Station, much of the building’s limestone — 600 tons of it — had deteriorated from three decades of uncontrolled water into the building. Research and good teamwork led to finding the original, uniquely banded limestone source, the Dark Hollow Quarry in Bedford, Indiana. The only problem: it had closed in 1988, the same year as Michigan Central Station.

Luckily, quarried blocks had been left on site, but were now surrounded by 30-year-old trees! A new access road was installed, trees removed, and truckloads of raw blocks — the largest single piece over 20 tons — were sent to Bridgeport, Michigan for fabrication. Skillfully sequenced for reinstallation, the restored limestone facade, from the front to the back of Michigan Central Station, matches perfectly with the skill of marvelous teamwork.

Marvelous indeed. We’ll continue to share more about this iconic Detroit structure that officially reopened June 6, 2024. Head over to the Christman Company’s post on Facebook for more pics as well as info about the process and all the contractors involved. For sure check out much more Michigan Central on Michigan in Pictures & for sure follow Historic Detroit for all kinds of cool Detroit content!

Here’s a couple more shots along with a few of mine from last July soon after the station re-opened.

Support Michigan in Pictures with Patreon

Michigan Central goes green for St Paddy’s Day!

Posted on by farlane

Wearin’ o the Green (lights) at Michigan Central by Andrew McFarlane

Longtime followers of Michigan in Pictures who know how near & dear to my heart and the very existence of this photoblog Detroit’s Michigan Central Station is probably won’t be surprised that a string of requests from readers & friends to share pics of MCS lit up for St Patrick’s Day moved me to ride over there at 5am today!

I don’t have a photo site (yet at least) but you can always throw me a buck or two on Patreon! And for sure check out lots more Michigan Central Station on Michigan in Pictures!

PS: WOW do I wish I’d brought my dSLR over – the moon was incredible!!!

Support Michigan in Pictures with Patreon

$80 Million Michigan Central Station Makeover?

Posted on by farlane

Michigan Central Station, Detroit, MI 2013

Michigan Central Station, Detroit, MI 2013, photo by brian

The Lansing State Journal reports on Ambassador Bridge owner Matty Maroun’s plan for an $80-million makeover of Michigan Central Station:

Michigan Central Station, a well-known symbol of Detroit’s decay, is expected to get $80 million in renovations over the next three years, according to a top aide to depot owner Manuel (Matty) Moroun. The revelation was made by Moroun associate Dan Stamper as he went before the Detroit City Council last week to discuss alternative plans to the city selling land needed for a new bridge to Canada.

…At Tuesday’s council meeting, Councilwoman Saunteel Jenkins said she was happy to see Moroun’s associate promise to help that community.

“There is one building that you all have not demolished,” Jenkins said of the depot. “Whenever they show the demise of Detroit there are two buildings they always show — one is the Packard Plant, the other is the train station.”

“We are going to renovate the train depot,” Stamper replied. “It’s probably another three years to secure the building watertight.”

…Jenkins didn’t seem impressed with Stamper’s description of plans to renovate the train station.

“That’s a pledge that I’ve heard multiple times,” Jenkins said.

So the short answer: don’t hold your breath. Read on at the LSJ for more.

Brian shot this photo of MCS last September and suggests John Coltrane’s In a Sentimental Mood as the soundtrack. Put it on as you view the photo bigger or enjoy his b&w: land and city slideshow.

Lots more photos of Michigan Central Station on Michigan in Pictures.

What Are You So Afraid Of?

Posted on by farlane

What Are You So Afraid Of?

What Are You So Afraid Of?, photo by Thomas Hawk

If there’s a King of Flickr, it’s probably Thomas Hawk. One of his projects is to document the 100 Largest American Cities, and back in June of 2010 he visited Detroit. His massive #11 Detroit, MI slideshow is heavy on the ruin of the Motor City but I think you’ll really appreciate it!

View this photo from Michigan Central Station background bigtacular and see more in the slideshow above and at ThomasHawk.com.