Michigan Central CEO talks opening of refurbished Michigan Central

Ford Motor Company celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated Michigan Central Station with a concert this week. The event kicked off a 10-day period where the doors of the former train depot will now be opened for the public to tour.

While the iconic Corktown building will now serve as a hub for future technologies, there is a possibility that trains could return to the station at some point. Ford has had preliminary talks with Amtrak and government leaders about doing so.

Listen: CEO Josh Sirefman discusses Michigan Central

Michigan Central CEO Josh Sirefman says he feels there is enthusiasm from all parties.

“If and when it happens, the station is not going to function in the same way as it was traditionally as a train station,” Sirefman said. “But we are very excited and eager to see passenger rail come back.”

Sirefman said Michigan Central is reopening with about two-thirds of the tower space booked by tenants. He added that Ford is close to securing a hotel partner for the site.

“We are mid-process on determining a hotel partner,” Sirefman said. “We have a few other conversations going for things that will unfold over time and so before you know it, we’ll have little space left in the tower.”

Sirefman says the ground floor will remain open for tours on Saturdays and Friday evenings after the 10-day opening event ends. He says public retail fronts will begin opening at Michigan Central Station in the fall.