Class

Article

College

Caine College of the Arts

Department

Art and Design Department

Faculty Mentor

Susie Tibbitts

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

The revitalization of buildings that have declined due to economic downturns or social change can bring life back to a community. Renovating, restoring, and updating abandoned buildings brings new housing, retail, restaurants, and jobs. It also preserves a piece of history that would otherwise collapse and cease to exist. After the automobile industry left Detroit, Michigan, the city began to decay. The most poignant example of this rise and fall of the city is the Michigan Central Station. Designed by Warren & Wetmore of New York and Reed & Stem of St. Paul, Minnesota, the Neoclassical railroad station was the tallest in the world. The station opened on December 26, 1913 and closed indefinitely in 1988. Since then, the station has changed ownership multiple times, anything of value has been stolen, and the whole building has been vandalized. This project explored the revitalization of the historic Neoclassical Michigan Central Station. The new design includes a café, a restaurant, a hotel, green space, lounge areas, and other community amenities. The goal was to provide a seamless blend of the old building with modern interiors. The final design incorporated universal design codes and current design practices. The research focused on design motifs, colors, materials, and architectural elements such as columns, arches, and façade details. The restored building is a place for the community to gather, to find work, and for visitors to stay and have a glimpse of the city’s past while enjoying the modern amenities of the present. Presentation Time: Wednesday, 9-10 a.m. Zoom link: https://usu-edu.zoom.us/j/84019071881?pwd=S2IzYkN5bnE3V2RKSjRrc0YzTWwxdz09

Location

Logan, UT

Start Date

4-12-2021 12:00 AM

Included in

Life Sciences Commons

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Apr 12th, 12:00 AM

Michigan Central Station Historic Revitalization

Logan, UT

The revitalization of buildings that have declined due to economic downturns or social change can bring life back to a community. Renovating, restoring, and updating abandoned buildings brings new housing, retail, restaurants, and jobs. It also preserves a piece of history that would otherwise collapse and cease to exist. After the automobile industry left Detroit, Michigan, the city began to decay. The most poignant example of this rise and fall of the city is the Michigan Central Station. Designed by Warren & Wetmore of New York and Reed & Stem of St. Paul, Minnesota, the Neoclassical railroad station was the tallest in the world. The station opened on December 26, 1913 and closed indefinitely in 1988. Since then, the station has changed ownership multiple times, anything of value has been stolen, and the whole building has been vandalized. This project explored the revitalization of the historic Neoclassical Michigan Central Station. The new design includes a café, a restaurant, a hotel, green space, lounge areas, and other community amenities. The goal was to provide a seamless blend of the old building with modern interiors. The final design incorporated universal design codes and current design practices. The research focused on design motifs, colors, materials, and architectural elements such as columns, arches, and façade details. The restored building is a place for the community to gather, to find work, and for visitors to stay and have a glimpse of the city’s past while enjoying the modern amenities of the present. Presentation Time: Wednesday, 9-10 a.m. Zoom link: https://usu-edu.zoom.us/j/84019071881?pwd=S2IzYkN5bnE3V2RKSjRrc0YzTWwxdz09