海角视频

The transformation of Detroit鈥檚 historic Michigan Central Station stands as a testament to the power of innovative engineering and sustainable design.

The historic restoration of Michigan Central Station signifies a new chapter for the city of Detroit. Originally built in 1913, the adaptive reuse project is the centerpiece of a 30-acre technology and cultural hub led by Ford Motor Company. Detroit鈥檚 Corktown neighborhood connects the community to the future by serving as a centerpiece for the future of mobility, 21st Century work environments, and the conversion of streets into neighborhoods.

海角视频 worked closely with Quinn Evans to provide various integrated engineering and mobility services to transform Michigan Central Station into an energy-efficient home for innovation and collaboration. Many original period details of the structure remain to honor the station鈥檚 historic roots, while contemporary design solutions usher in a new era for modern day work, technology, and entertainment.

We explore the groundbreaking work at Michigan Central Station with insights from Francesco Cerroni, Principal and US Mobility Lead, and Kaye Palomo, Associate Mechanical Engineer. Our discussion dives into the collaborative efforts that have made this transformation possible, highlighting the challenges and successes of this ambitious project. With a focus on mobility solutions and cutting-edge green technologies, the team offers a unique perspective on the dedication and expertise driving 海角视频鈥檚 mission to create sustainable and resilient urban environments.

Mobility innovations

The Michigan Central district is envisioned as a hub for mobility innovation. The site will feature state-of-the-art facilities for developing and testing new transportation technologies – including a first-of-its-kind mobility testing platform that adaptively reuses historic railway tracks.

海角视频鈥檚 mobility planning services have been instrumental in creating a comprehensive plan that balances cutting-edge mobility solutions with the needs of the local community. This includes multimodal streets design, traffic modeling, and e-mobility planning, ensuring that the district is both accessible and sustainable. The updated facility reflects the Ford Motor Company鈥檚 shift from a car manufacturing facility to a mobility company, providing an authentic platform for future innovation.

What specific mobility innovations are being developed and tested at Michigan Central Station? How do these innovations aim to improve urban transportation in Detroit?

Francesco Cerroni:聽Michigan Central is a 30-acre campus envisioned by Ford Motor Company to serve as a center for mobility innovation. The reimagined Book Depository building will be a collaborative workspace for tech startups focused on mobility, energy, and materials innovation. Key initiatives include the Advanced Aerial Innovation Region, which facilitates the development and testing of commercial drones to transform urban logistics and delivery systems. Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms integrate various transport modes into a single user-friendly application, enhancing real-time journey planning and payment options. Additionally, advancements in autonomous trucking technologies are being explored, including electric and driverless trucks designed for hub-to-hub operations, supported by infrastructure like the nation鈥檚 first electric road, all aimed at creating a more sustainable, efficient, and accessible urban mobility landscape.

Sustainability, community engagement and public spaces

Sustainability is at the heart of the Michigan Central Station project. The redevelopment aims to achieve significant reductions in operational energy use, aligning with Detroit鈥檚 broader goals for environmental stewardship and urban renewal. The Michigan Central Station project also features the development of new public parks, expansive outdoor plazas, and 1.2 million square feet of commercial space within several restored historic buildings. These areas are thoughtfully designed to be inclusive and inviting, promoting community interaction and engagement.

Surrounding public spaces also enhance the urban environment. For instance, in Roosevelt Park, adjacent to Michigan Central Station, roadways have been removed and replaced with event lawns, over 100 new trees, and stormwater bioretention basins. This transformation not only adds green space but also offers recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Michigan Central Station aims to create a cultural destination that will help retain local tech talent and attract technology experts from across the country to Detroit. The public spaces are designed to be inviting and accessible, ensuring that Detroiters and visitors feel welcome.

How is Michigan Central Station engaging with the local community to ensure that the benefits of new mobility solutions are accessible to all Detroit residents?

Francesco Cerroni: The Michigan Central project places a strong emphasis on sustainability by implementing several key initiatives aimed at transforming urban mobility. Central to this effort is the development of a robust electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which encourages the adoption of electric vehicles by making charging more accessible. Additionally, the project promotes sustainable transportation options, such as bike-sharing programs and pedestrian-friendly spaces, to reduce reliance on cars and enhance community interaction. A significant feature is the establishment of a Transportation Innovation Zone, designed to test various sustainable mobility solutions, including autonomous vehicles and smart traffic management systems, in real-world conditions. The integration of green technologies, like solar panels that provide green electric energy for charging, further supports energy efficiency and emission reduction.

What sustainable building practices were incorporated into the renovation to ensure the project aligns with modern environmental standards?

Kaye Palomo: The project utilized an energy model early on to study various system design options, guiding the team towards a high-performing and energy-efficient building. The energy model predicted that the proposed building would be 22% more energy efficient compared to the ASHRAE 90.1-2013 baseline building. Note that the MCS building was exempt from complying with the energy code as it was listed as a historical building; however, the owner and design team were committed to delivering a sustainable and energy-efficient building.

What were the most significant challenges faced during the restoration of Michigan Central Station, and how were they overcome?

Kaye Palomo: Since MCS was considered a historical building, it was crucial that the design of the building infrastructure be integrally woven into the historical fabric and existing structure to maintain the historical aesthetics and grandeur of the spaces. As such, the MEP team had to think outside the box at times to overcome the existing architectural and structural conflicts. For example, the Main Waiting and Concourse areas on the ground level were conditioned by implementing a displacement ventilation and radiant floor system. In addition, the design team had to work closely together to find solutions that were the least intrusive yet cost-effective.   

How are public spaces around Michigan Central Station being designed to support new forms of mobility and enhance the urban environment?

Francesco Cerroni: The public space around Michigan Central Station is thoughtfully designed to support new forms of mobility and enhance the urban environment. The design of the streets surrounding the station incorporates flexible streets, pedestrian-friendly areas, green spaces, and wide bike lanes that encourage active transportation and use of electric scooters and bikes. This upgrade improves safety and accessibility for all users, including pedestrians and micromobility users.

Economic impact

In addition to community engagement, Michigan Central also emphasizes workforce development, ensuring that local residents are equipped with the skills needed for the jobs created. Initiatives like Google鈥檚 Code Next Detroit, which provides free computer science education to Black, Latinx, and Native American high school students, play a crucial role in this effort. By meeting students in their own communities and offering them the skills and inspiration necessary for rewarding careers in tech, programs like Code Next help cultivate a diverse and skilled workforce ready to thrive in the evolving job market.

The redevelopment is drawing local and global interest, driving economic development, job creation, and investment in cutting-edge technologies. This transformation is expected to attract more than 5,000 people per day to the district, significantly boosting the local economy.

What economic impacts are anticipated from the Michigan Central Station project, particularly in terms of job creation and local business growth?

Francesco Cerroni: The Michigan Central Station project is expected to have significant economic impact. The establishment of the mobility innovation district is projected to attract thousands of new jobs. Newlab is already hosting over 100 startups that have collectively raised nearly $700,000 in venture capital. This influx of businesses is anticipated to stimulate local economies, support entrepreneurship, and enhance the overall job market in Detroit.

What economic benefits has the construction phase of the Michigan Central Station project brought to Detroit, in terms of job creation and local business opportunities?

Kaye Palomo: Even before the project was completed, there was a noticeable difference in the surrounding area of the Michigan Central Station. More and more local businesses were popping up, and buildings along Michigan Avenue were being renovated as the construction of the MCS building progressed. It seemed that every time the 海角视频 team was onsite, the neighborhood had become livelier and new changes were seen.

Infrastructure upgrades

The project design team developed solutions for transforming the neighborhood and existing buildings alike. This includes the integration of state-of-the-art mobility hubs, retail spaces, and new public parks, creating a vibrant and inclusive 30-acre campus.

How is the existing infrastructure being adapted or upgraded to support new mobility technologies, such as autonomous vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations?

Francesco Cerroni: Infrastructure across the MCS district is undergoing major upgrades to support advanced mobility. Lacombe Drive, for example, was reconfigured from a two-lane road in each direction to a curb-less, shared street following traffic studies, allowing more space for pedestrians and cyclists. Multimodal hubs across the district provide e-bike, e-scooter, and EV parking near transit stops, with parking facilities fully EV-ready. The Bagley Mobility Hub also includes testing zones for autonomous vehicles, ensuring that Detroit鈥檚 infrastructure is equipped to integrate cutting-edge mobility technologies seamlessly.

Long-term Vision

What is the long-term vision for Michigan Central Station and its surrounding innovation district? How does this vision align with Detroit鈥檚 broader urban development goals?

Francesco Cerroni: The long-term vision for Michigan Central is to establish a world-leading innovation district that fosters sustainable urban transportation, advanced technology, and community integration. This vision aligns with Detroit鈥檚 goals of revitalization, sustainability, and inclusivity by attracting talent, startups, and industry leaders to position Detroit as a hub for future mobility. Through this development, the MCS project contributes significantly to Detroit鈥檚 broader economic, social, and environmental objectives, supporting a resilient and inclusive urban future.

鈥淲e are delighted to be part of Detroit鈥檚 impressive success in attracting a new wave of attention, investment and thousands of new residents and enterprises. We value our long-term commitment to Detroit and other Midwestern cities, bringing our collaborative, multidisciplinary foresight to elevate places, regional economies, and design outcomes.

Partner, Yasmin Rehmanjee