Report: Ford in Talks to Purchase Michigan Central Station
Photo: Albert Duce
One of Detroit’s most recognizable and beloved landmarks is being eyed for purchase by the Ford Motor Company. Crain’s Detroit Business reported on Monday that negotiations between Ford and the Moroun family’s Crown Enterprises would see Michigan Central Station come under the ownership of the Dearborn-based automotive giant.
Two sources familiar with negotiations told Crain’s that Ford would redevelop the massive train station, which has been out of service for 30 years as of January. The station is located in Corktown, which is also home to The Factory—the facility on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Rosa Parks Boulevard that now hosts 220 employees, including EV development Team Edison.
“At this time, Ford is focused on locating our autonomous vehicle and electric vehicle business and strategy teams, including Team Edison, to The Factory in Detroit’s historic Corktown neighborhood,” Ford spokesman Said Deep told Crain’s on Monday. “While we anticipate our presence over time will grow as our teams begin moving downtown in May, we have nothing further to announce at this time.”
Crown Enterprises President Michael Samhat told Crain’s that there is currently no deal to report for Michigan Central Station, adding that it met with someone other than Ford last week in the pursuit of a deal for the building.
Ford is said to be interested in the location in particular because its urban setting would make the company increasingly more appealing to future generations of employees. It’s anticipated that a repurposed Michigan Central Station could house more than 1,000 employees.
News Source: Crain’s Detroit Business
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