MAKING HISTORY
It's only been a year in the making
Capturing the "after" images of the Michigan Train Station and putting them together took almost a year. Why did it take so long? Sometimes its just the way things work out.
Firstly, let's talk access. One cannot just waltz into the train station and take professional photos with a tripod. You need to get permission, and they have to grant that permission to you. I was fortunate that I had contacts that provided me access on two occasions to be able to get these images: one visit was last year in July 2024, and more recently in June 2025. It was planned for me to return initially because there was still much of the tour presentation materials left in the station, and I was hoping to have an opportunity to shoot it as empty as possible. So, I knew I was going to come back, just not realizing it would be almost a year later. But, that is the way some things work out, and I was willing to be patient.
I initially was given permission to shoot the station because two of my images of the station in its dilapidated state were used in the Ruin and Revival book written by the builders (The Christman Group) that documents the renovation process. I have the book, and can highly recommend it. Its very thorough and detailed, a pleasure to read. For me, the only payment I was interested in was to be able to capture the station in its renovated state, and thankfully the stars aligned and it happened, even if it took a year. So, that is why I waited so long to share these with you.
I'll always remember when I was doing art fairs years ago, the train station was always the main topic of conversation inside my booth of my Detroit photos. It didn't take me long to realize that this building was so many people's favorite Detroit building. Over the years, I heard story after story of themselves or family members who either worked there or remember taking a train. Or, those who remember attending raves, or exploring or photographing it when it was vacant. It has become a part of all of our lives in one way or another.
Back then, I honestly did not hold much hope for the station to ever be renovated, especially given the person who had previously owned it (he who must not be named!). But, a savior came charging through the mist of uncertainty, riding up on their noble white steed and saved the day. Saved the station. It is because of Ford's investment of almost $1 billion dollars that we are able to visit the station today and see it in what is the closest we'll ever see of its former glory.
I created 15 before and after images of the station, from different times that I had visited. Each image has the dates of when the images were taken. Some images have a 17-year span between when the before and the after was taken! It's crazy to contemplate.
Are you ready? Click below to see the train station before and after images.
