About Michigan Central

What is Michigan Central?

Michigan Central is an innovation district located between the historic neighborhoods of Corktown and Southwest Detroit. Anchored by a vibrant and inclusive 30-acre campus, this growing community serves as a powerful convening place and a call-to-action to build the urban transportation solutions that advance a more sustainable, equitable future.

Featuring a state-of-the-art mobility hub, retail, multiple outdoor plazas, and 1.2 million square feet of commercial public space, Michigan Central aims to attract local and global visitors alike, spur economic development and jobs, and organize investment in new technologies. Our world is facing large, complex challenges, and we believe that no one company can solve these challenges alone. That is why we adopted an open-platform model that connects start-ups with established companies, government entities, and innovators to collaborate and fast-track solutions.

Building on Detroit’s rich history as an engine of change, design and innovation, Michigan Central is also deeply committed to strengthening our city through involving residents in the conversation and helping Detroiters learn the skills they need to land the in-demand jobs of the innovation economy.

Development Michigan Central
  • Mobility Rendering
    Future of Mobility

    Anchored by a first-of-its-kind mobility testing platform

  • Retail Rendering
    Commercial & Public Spaces

    Retail, restaurants, hospitality, co-working areas, and public amenities

  • The Factory
    Office Space

    For approximately 5,000 employees and partners

  • Entrepreneurial

    Supporting local entrepreneurs and artists

  • Corktown Rendering
    Michigan Mobility Corridor

    A stop on Michigan’s emerging connected and autonomous vehicle corridor

  • Michigan Central Partner Logos
    An Open Platform

    To forge partnerships that will transform the future of mobility

Future of Global Mobility

The way we move is rapidly evolving, and the mobility systems that originally transformed cities are no longer the ones that will move them forward. Our communities need solutions that are not only new and innovative, but equitable and environmentally sustainable, to help people get around and lead better lives.

Michigan Central is the innovation hub at the center of that future.

Our inclusive open platform brings together some of the brightest minds from around Detroit and around the world to cross-collaborate and address the many barriers to social, economic and physical mobility – because no one company can solve these challenges alone. Together, we develop, test and create the products and solutions that will pave the way for a more connected, autonomous and electrified future.

Mobility

Michigan Mobility Corridor

One of the most significant mobility projects in the U.S. is unfolding on Michigan Avenue.

As one of the world’s first connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) corridors, it will link Corktown and Downtown Detroit to Ann Arbor—and continue Michigan’s leadership in smart infrastructure and future mobility solutions.

Michigan Central is a potential stop along the corridor, connecting our innovation ecosystem to the broader regional network and the world.

The Michigan Mobility Corridor has an important goal: to close the long-standing gap in access to reliable public transportation across Southeast Michigan.

Cavnue was selected to lead the Mobility Corridor project, along with the state of Michigan and other partners, including Ford Motor Company.

Cavnue Logo

More About Cavnue

Michigan Mobility Corridor

Guiding Principles

We are working closely with the Corktown and Southwest Detroit communities to honor our city’s rich history and vibrant culture.  

These five Guiding Principles are at the forefront of all that we do:

  • Build the Future of Mobility
    Build The Future of Mobility

    Create, scale and showcase new technologies that are accessible, flexible, and provide greater options for better transportation for all.

  • Optimize for Innovation
    Foster Innovation

    Promote interactions between people, businesses, and ideas.

  • Make an Inclusive and Authentic Place
    Create an Inclusive and Authentic Place

    Develop a space that is authentically Detroit, invites in the community, and supports diverse and equitable uses.

  • Celebrate Heritage and Legacy
    Celebrate Heritage and Legacy

    Preserve the area’s unique character and historic structures while introducing new forms that respect local heritage.

  • Make Decisions That Create Equity
    Make Decisions That Improve Equity

    Foster partnerships that deliver greater opportunity, environmental sustainability, and vitality to the area.

Sustainability

At Michigan Central, we’re not just preserving some of  Detroit’s great historical assets, we are working to preserve our planet.

We’re working to help:

  • Protect natural ecology and habitats in the area.
  • Create new public green spaces and productive landscapes.
  • Preserve water.
  • Reduce carbon emissions.
  • Use renewable energy to power our buildings.
  • Helping to improve access and adoption of electrification.

Corporate Sustainability Goals

Photo of Windmill