“This new renovation of The Station brings together iconic American companies like Ford and Hilton at a location that’s truly a historic hub for U.S. travel,” said Josh Sirefman, CEO of Michigan Central. “We love the notion of two 100-plus-year-old companies collaborating to create a venue that promises to be a major boost not only for Michigan Central but for the city of Detroit as well.”

Historic features of Michigan Central station will be incorporated into the hotel, such as the clock on display there. It was taken after the station was abandoned and returned anonymously shortly after Ford purchased the property. Sirefman said The team also plans to maintain additional cultural touchpoints, such as 4000 original rivets salvaged from the carriage house and graffiti that remains on some of the walls.

The addition of a hotel at The Station will enhance Michigan Central’s 30-acre technology and cultural hub, which in two short years has become the second fastest-growing startup ecosystem in the world. “The more activated the place, the more the entrepreneurs hopefully are inspired, and we see a direct correlation to that,” said Sirefman. “So, we think the hotel will have a tremendous impact both on the community of entrepreneurs and the much broader community as well.”