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.
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Future of Mobility
Anchored by a first-of-its-kind mobility testing platform
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Commercial & Public Spaces
Retail, restaurants, hospitality, co-working areas, and public amenities
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Office Space
For approximately 5,000 employees and partners
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Entrepreneurial
Supporting local entrepreneurs and artists
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Michigan Mobility Corridor
A stop on Michigan’s emerging connected and autonomous vehicle corridor
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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.
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.
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:
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Build The Future of Mobility
Create, scale and showcase new technologies that are accessible, flexible, and provide greater options for better transportation for all.
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Foster Innovation
Promote interactions between people, businesses, and ideas.
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Create an Inclusive and Authentic Place
Develop a space that is authentically Detroit, invites in the community, and supports diverse and equitable uses.
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Celebrate Heritage and Legacy
Preserve the area’s unique character and historic structures while introducing new forms that respect local heritage.
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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.