The Michigan Central Station served Detroit as the primary intercity passenger depot from its opening in 1914 until its abandonment in 1988. Constructed for the Michigan Central Railroad, this building replaced the city’s earlier depot following a fire in 1913. At the time of its construction, it was the tallest rail station in the world.

The building, designed by the Warren & Wetmore and Reed and Stem firms who also designed New York City's Grand Central Terminal, is of the Beaux-Arts Classical style of architecture. The construction cost for the station was $15 million when it was built.