Matty Moroun's company hires Ann Arbor architectural firm to touch up Michigan Central Depot
Ann Arbor-based Quinn Evans Architects has been hired by the Detroit International Bridge Company to design restoration plans for the dilapidated Michigan Central Depot in Detroit, the company announced Thursday.
An Ann Arbor architectural firm will help renovate parts of the dilapidated Michigan Central Depot in Detroit.
Photo via MLive.com
Manuel “Matty” Moroun owns the bridge company, which also controls the Ambassador Bridge connecting Detroit to Windsor. Moroun is currently trying to block a proposed publicly-owned bridge that would similarly span the Detroit River and connect the two cities.
A statement released by the bridge company said Moroun’s son and vice chairman, Matthew Moroun, “looks forward to a renewed, vibrant building.”
Elisabeth Knibbe, who will lead the design project for Quinn Evans Architects, said her firm specializes in historic restoration and has worked on projects such as the Garfield Building in Detroit and the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing.
The firm has already begun the “field work” for the Michigan Central Depot project, Knibbe said.
“We are going out and documenting all the windows, the condition they are in and what they originally looked like,” Knibbe said. “We have to decide if we will restore or replace the windows to look just like the original. We have to determine if the structure is sound on the roof and what kind of repairs need to be made.”
Knibbe said the building looks “pretty sound” structurally, but she said there are issues that have to be addressed before the restorations can begin.
“For example, people have thrown toilets and other large objects through the roof so there are holes.”
The restorations “will be designed to meet both national standards for historic preservation and all current standards,” according to the statement released by the bridge company.
Knibbe said these standards are set by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. She said they must meet all code standards and make the building energy efficient.
Although the building has been vacant and rundown for years, Knibbe believes the restorations to the historic site may help to revitalize the city of Detroit.
“The building is so iconic the way it sits there in the city,” Knibbe said. “To get the exterior stabilized and restored will have a pretty positive impact on the city and the neighborhood around it.”
Echoing Knibbe’s sentiments, Matthew Moroun said in the statement, “We hope this is just the beginning of a renaissance for the Depot. It is an important first step to helping return the building to its rightful place among the great Detroit landmarks.”
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach the business desk at business@annarbor.com or 734-623-2585.
Comments
jns131
Sat, May 7, 2011 : 4:03 p.m.
I thought this building was slated to be demolished. I guess they changed their minds again. This building is also near Mexican Town if I am correct in thinking it is near the Ambassador Bridge. I also agree that we do not need another bridge running from Detroit to Windsor. There is the Blue Water up near Port Huron. Good luck getting another bridge across. I don't see it happening any time soon.
shepard145
Sat, May 7, 2011 : 1:03 p.m.
Has Matty seen Ann Arbor City Hall!? LOL I can't believe anyone would hire the Michigan office of Quinn Evans to design a dog house after the mess they've left us in Ann Arbor. A city of brick buildings and they cook up a big metal can. I can't wait to see what color metal panels they propose to cover the train station with. Yuck.
Random Man
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 10:37 p.m.
Wow, something semi-positive happened in Michigan in a city outside of Ann Arbor, lets look for the darkside, knock it down and complain why the Michigan economy sucks!
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 11:39 p.m.
Matty Moroun has a history...a track record thats not hard to dig up if you try. Whether this is "semi-positive" is whats being debated. Its positive for the roofing contractor, the window installers and the architects if they get paid.
snoopdog
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 10:05 p.m.
I worked for Matty at his trucking company "Central Transport". Was just about the worst 3 years of my entire career ! Good Day
Marshall Applewhite
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 8:36 p.m.
Matty Moroun: The "Mr. Burns" of Detroit. Hopefully his heirs do something more productive than buying more blighted properties and holding them.
glimmertwin
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 5:29 p.m.
Fantastic old building. The problem is that it's too big to move 40 miles to the west.
bg
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 3:29 p.m.
Knibbe should get off of her "if you build it they will come" horse - this building is in a bad location, surrounded by highways, railroads and abandoned warehouses. If someone wanted to occupy it, it wouldn't have sat empty for so long. What will it be turned into? That aside, fees for Quinn Evans to evaluate every window would be put to better use by simply replacing the windows.
gonefishing
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 3:20 p.m.
this guy and his family has scammed their way to billions--that's with a B---he would would drop a dime in a homeless person's cup if he thought a camera was on----build that bridge Gov.-----there is a ton of money to be made and the state could use lots of it ---get us in the game---
Wolf's Bane
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 3:04 p.m.
I think 'touch up' means preventing it from collapsing. A new roof would prevent leaks eating away at all the plaster and loosening mortar and new windows would probably also shut out the elements. I have been inside numerous times and can honestly say that the building can be saved because it structurally very sound. Curious to see what happens next. Check out additional photographs of the MCD here: <a href="http://www.citrusmilo.com/mcs/depot01.cfm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.citrusmilo.com/mcs/depot01.cfm</a>
townie54
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 10:49 p.m.
sure was nice,too bad it was allowed to go to seed.It would have cost a lot to maintain it over the years but at least they could have kept it secure and hired full time security.Manny was rich enough to do that.Didnt he offer to rebuild it for free if the city would put the police department and offices in there and pay him rent?
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 6:19 p.m.
Nice photos in the link.
63Townie
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 2:44 p.m.
"Touch up"??? That place needs to be touched-up with a wrecking ball.
sweet_life
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 2:34 p.m.
If Matty Moroun really cared about Detroit, he would have done something to improve this building and his bridge a long time ago. The Ambassador Bridge is the sorriest international border crossing in the US. I've never understood how such a economically and politically significant structure as an international border crossing could be privately owned and operated at the whim of one man with no accountability to the public.
timjbd
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 3:30 p.m.
That's what the Canadians think, too. That's why they are funding the new bridge.
free form
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 2:13 p.m.
In an ideal world, I would love to imagine the MCR as a vibrant restored building but having seen how the building was neglected and gutted, there is little left to restore. I fear the building is beyond repair at this point. This "touch-up" is a farce and just a ploy from Moroun. Suddenly, he wants to look like a responsible property owner but it's like twenty years too late...
rusty shackelford
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 2:09 p.m.
From someone born and raised in Detroit: 1. Never trust Moroun about anything. 2. To a previous commenter: you can't get in "legally," but there are many things you can't do legally in Detroit. That doesn't mean anyone will stop you. Lots of people from outside the city think it makes them cool and adventurous to go in there. Cf: Flikr. Just make sure your car doesn't get broken in to while you're gone, and that the floor doesn't collapse on you and squatters don't mug you. While you're in the neighborhood, check out the lovely Zug Island, the second most interesting thing about Detroit. 3. This isn't Moroun's style, but this place if brought up to code would make for great studio space rental. Think RIC with tons of light and a view. Wouldn't make a ton of money, but since it's making negative money now...
timjbd
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 8:42 p.m.
I like Delray: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/timjbd#p/u/8/pP2PQWM6ysw" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/timjbd#p/u/8/pP2PQWM6ysw</a> At least the firemen who work there. There's also the Heidelberg Project: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/timjbd#p/u/0/wdx6SzhD9WU" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/timjbd#p/u/0/wdx6SzhD9WU</a> My trip into MCD: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/timjbd#p/u/22/02x8EHXPfB0" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/timjbd#p/u/22/02x8EHXPfB0</a> But seriously, Tiger and Red Wing games, pubs and clubs along Mich. Ave, lots of cool underground theater and new restaurants, St. Andrews Hall, etc.. And, anyone with an idea and minor backing can get it going in Detroit these days. The downsizing- when it finally gets going in earnest- will open up all sorts of new stuff. I love going to Detroit for the evening..
rusty shackelford
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 5:33 p.m.
Since my sarcasm wasn't entirely apparent, I should add: don't try to actually enter Zug Island. Bad things will happen to you. In fact, don't go to Delray at all. Bad things will happen to you.
rusty shackelford
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 5:30 p.m.
Terri, I was sarcastically referring to the MCD, and the way that "urban spelunkers" and other silly people are obsessed with breaking in to it. From my POV, one of the more interesting things in Detroit is the Russell Industrial Center. It's worth a trip, especially when they're holding open studio. Then get some amazing pierogi just up the street...
Terri
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.
I'll bite: What do you think is THE most interesting thing about Detroit?
timjbd
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 2:13 p.m.
On the other hand, it's near Corktown which has some cool stuff going on..
Epengar
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 1:41 p.m.
Readers of this story might like to know that there is a non-profit group working to encourage the restoration of the station. It's called the Michigan Central Station Preservation Society. They have a website: <a href="http://www.savemichigancentral.com/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.savemichigancentral.com/</a> and a Facebook page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michigan-Central-Station-Preservation-Society/188060348704?sk=info" rel='nofollow'>http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michigan-Central-Station-Preservation-Society/188060348704?sk=info</a>
timjbd
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.
It's too bad that the state can't just seize the property via imminent domain. Then a non-profit actually COULD be eligible for federal preservation grants.
xmo
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 1:41 p.m.
George Webb's Monument to Detroit still stands after almost 100 years! At the time (1913) it was at the "cutting edge" for train stations in large cities featuring a drug store, showers,baths and changing rooms for travelers plus facilities for the sick and disabled. Who knows maybe Detroit will become a GREAT city again.
timjbd
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 1:36 p.m.
One thing you can be sure of- Maroun will ONLY go forward if the taxpayers foot the bill through historic preservation grants. He's a parasite. Lucky for him, he now has his team in Lansing. The new bridge is in extreme jeopardy. Snyder has made claims to being a supporter of the project but only to the extent that he is able to socialize the debt to build it while privatizing the revenue once it's on a paying basis. So the taxpayers will be responsible for paying off the $550 million construction loan from the Canucks while the "private partners" will syphon off the cream until the loan is repaid... at which time we will have a new group of Marouns running the bridge. The difference being that this group will be campaign contributors of Rick.
timjbd
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.
<a href="http://www.hpo.ncdcr.gov/grants.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.hpo.ncdcr.gov/grants.htm</a>
Joe Hood
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 1:42 p.m.
Historic preservation credits, of which there aren't any at the state level now.
Kai Petainen
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 1:26 p.m.
anyone know how i can legally get in that building to photograph it?
timjbd
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 1:47 p.m.
I got in last year. If you look around the great hall you'll see that it needs a little more than a facelift. I hope it gets done somehow. It's a spectacular building.
Elaine F. Owsley
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 1:41 p.m.
Lots of folks already have. See "Lost Detroit" a book of gorgeous photos, including the Michigan Central Station.
jondhall
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 1:24 p.m.
So Moroun owes this blighted building ? It should have been rehabed years ago or torn down . How could the City of Detroit let him get away with this for so long ? He must have been good friends with the former mayors ? I saw this building yesterday on the way to see the Tigers beat the YANKEES , it is shameful . It is in about the same shape as his "bridge " he has a monopoly on. Run your ads , Snyder is building a new bridge !
jondhall
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.
The City should have the ability to fine someone who leaves such blight and tear the structure down, happening all the time in Ypsilanti Township as there are not scared! Not to mention he should be "jailed".
DBlaine
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
The city has been trying to get Moroun to restore or redevelop it, but it's very difficult to force somebody to do something they don't want to with their private property. And the city doesn't want to take the property because it doesn't have the money to do anything with it. Just tearing it down would cost millions. So, it'll sit for a long, long time.
walker101
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 12:19 p.m.
Touch up?
Elaine F. Owsley
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 11:54 a.m.
"Touch up"? That once noble building has been allowed to fall prey to scavengers, thieves, anyone who wanted a chunk of it for decades. Anyone who's seen photos of the interior would be aware that a roof and windows are the least of its problems. Gutted is the term I'd use. Will Matty Moroun pay for guards to protect the new windows - which will surely attract the kind of vandals that took out the originals.
Chip Reed
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 11:45 a.m.
how does one throw a toilet through the roof of a 17-story building? matty m. is a taste of how things will be in the future. i can't wait.
glimmertwin
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 3:40 p.m.
We were just discussing this. I believe toilets have been thrown from windows and/or the roof on the the roof of the entrance, which is only a few stories tall protruding from the front of the building. This is the only thing we could come up with.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 11:44 a.m.
Here is a link to a Detroit News article on the "touch up". In the article it states "After decades of looking like a bombed-out relic, the iconic Michigan Central Train Depot is set to receive a mini face-lift. Some, including me, believe this "mini face lift" is about trying to score points in his efforts to squash the DRIC bridge proposal to build another bridge to Canada. <a href="http://www.detnews.com/article/20110325/METRO01/103250394/1410/METRO01/Decaying-Central-Depot-to-get-spruce-up" rel='nofollow'>http://www.detnews.com/article/20110325/METRO01/103250394/1410/METRO01/Decaying-Central-Depot-to-get-spruce-up</a>
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 11:33 p.m.
Hammer and Nail, Craig. Hammer and nail. Good Night and Good Luck
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, May 6, 2011 : 11:13 a.m.
Here is one of my favorite Matty Moroun stories.... The guy (again a billionaire) got some teen volunteers who were trying to do community service projects to do some cleaning in his train station. They MAY have been exposed to friable asbestos in the process. <a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2009/09/asbestos_found_in_michigan_cen.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2009/09/asbestos_found_in_michigan_cen.html</a>