Michigan Central Station Could See $80M Makeover

Posted on September 19, 2014

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.

The bridge — known as the New International Trade Crossing — ould put thousands of people to work in southeast Michigan and revitalize the trade corridor with Canada. It would connect highways in Detroit and Windsor, relieving traffic congestion for commercial trucks and other vehicles.

Moroun, who controls the Ambassador Bridge, unsuccessfully sued a number of federal officials and the Canadian government in a bid to block the building of the rival bridge.

In 2012, he spent more than $33 million to support Proposal 6, which would have required a statewide vote before a public crossing could be built across the Detroit River. Voters rejected the proposal.

The state offered $1.4 million for 301 city-owned parcels needed for the bridge project to proceed. The council rejected the deal, in part, over concerns the sale price was too low. Emergency manager Kevyn Orr is expected to approve the sale anyway. But the council can propose an alternative plan this week to a state emergency loan board.

As an alternative to the state’s offer, Stamper offered $1.5 million for the land in the Delray community in southwest Detroit, plus $1 million to help fix up the community.

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.”

He said the offer is not an attempt to block the bridge project. He said a second Ambassador Bridge would be built without disturbing the Delray community.

The council, however, showed no interest in pursuing Moroun’s offer for the Delray land.

After Tuesday’s meeting, 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.

Photo Credit: Susan Montgomery / Shutterstock.com