SXSW
Together with SxSW Innovators, we can co-create the future of Mobility.
Michigan Central is a new mobility innovation district located in Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood.
A place where innovators from around the world can develop, pilot, and launch new solutions for urban transportation and more. Ford Motor Company is developing the 30-acre district, anchored by the iconic Michigan Central Station, to serve as an open platform for collaboration. Solving the world’s mobility challenges will take the world’s best minds, working together.
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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 Ford 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
Development Timeline
Book Depository
- 2020: Q1 Design Starts
- 2021: Q1 Construction Starts
- 2022: Q1 Construction Complete
Bagley Parking Hub
- 2020: Q2 Design Starts
- 2021: Q1 Construction Starts
- 2022: Q1 Construction Complete
Michigan Central Station
- 2020: Q2 Roof & Intr. Waiting Room Restoration Starts
- 2021: Q2 Intr. Tower Restoration Starts
- 2022: Q4 Construction Complete
Building West
- 2022: Q2 Design & Construction Starts
- 2023: Q3 Construction Complete
Future of Global Mobility
Access to transportation means the freedom to move.
And the way we move is changing fast.
Ford’s vision is a fresh approach for the future: not integrating new tech into an aging urban transportation system but creating new and innovative ways to help people get around and lead better lives.
Michigan Central is the innovation hub at the center of that future.
This is the place where Ford, its partners and competitors will create the products and solutions that will be the future of how we move.
Autonomous and connected vehicles.
Smart roads and infrastructure.
Public transit and micro-mobility.
Testing our new technology on real-world streets, within a dynamic urban community, to 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
Ford is working closely with the Corktown community to honor its rich history and vibrant culture.
These five Guiding Principles are at the forefront of all we that we do.
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Build The Future of Mobility
Showcase new technologies that are flexible, accessible, and provide options for better transportation.
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Optimize for Innovation
Promote serendipitous interactions between people, businesses, and ideas.
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Make an Inclusive and Authentic Place
Create a place 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 Create Equity
Create partnerships that bring opportunities, environmental sustainability, and vitality to the area.
Sustainability
As Ford restores Michigan Central Station, we’re not just preserving one of Detroit’s greatest historic assets, so it can be a place of hope an opportunity once again.
We’re also making a positive impact in the community by 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
