If you asked Detroiters for a list of the most iconic buildings in the city, the Michigan Central station will appear on most lists. Although the building has been vacant for nearly 30 years, it has been featured in numerous documentaries and news stories about Detroit. In a way, the building is a microcosm of the city itself. Once a grandiose, extravagant building, the train depot has fallen into disrepair and stripped by looters and vandals. Over the years we have heard of many plans to renovate the building but none of them have come to fruition. Now, things are starting to change and a massive renovation may be in store for the building. In recent years the neighborhood around the station, Corktown, has gained new residents and is undergoing major changes. 

Finally just this week, the owners of the building announced that it will host an event for the first time in more than 20 years. Crains Detroit has selected to the Michigan Central Station as the site of their annual Detroit Homecoming. The aim of the event is to attract investment to the city from Detroiters who have moved away. Revamping the building while maintaining the character of the original build will be costly. Rehab estimates range from $100-300Mil according to the Detroit Free Press.