DETROIT, June 19, 2019 – Today marks the one-year anniversary of Ford's announcement of the acquisition of Michigan Central Station. In that time, Ford has been working with the community and other stakeholders to create a destination that will help shape the future of transportation while strengthening Detroit's position as the Motor City.

To facilitate ongoing engagement with the community, a critical partner in its vision for the future, Ford is opening an information center at The Factory at Corktown. Located at 1907 Michigan Avenue, the space will provide the public with access to project information, construction updates, mobility pilot programs and technologies, as well as community initiatives.

Moreover, to honor the artists who have made this area their home, Ford will use the information center as a canvas to display new work. The windows will become a revolving gallery – adding arts, culture and history to Michigan Avenue – by offering local artists the opportunity to showcase their work throughout the year.

'We've learned a lot from local residents and businesses over the past year as we further our plans for the development of Michigan Central Station,' said Mary Culler, Detroit development director for Ford Motor Company. 'Our new information center will provide an ongoing opportunity to share our plans, celebrate the culture of the area and continue learning from the community. In this historic neighborhood, we're building a place where people can solve real-world challenges and create future opportunities together.'

Mobility testing in Corktown

Ford is already working with partners to reimagine transportation on the streets around Michigan Central Station – in a way that benefits everyone.

In December, the company launched a pilot program using its ride-hailing service GoRide to help families pick up meals and attend appointments at local food banks. Spin, an electric scooter startup Ford acquired last year, has expanded its fleet of scooters in Corktown to make it easier for residents and visitors to get around.

Argo AI, Ford's partner for autonomous vehicle system development, started on-road testing of a Ford Fusion Hybrid self-driving vehicle in Detroit earlier this month. Similar vehicles are already deployed in Pittsburgh, Palo Alto, Miami and Washington, D.C. in an effort to learn more about how autonomous technology can be used in various urban environments. Ford's self-driving vehicle business unit, based at The Factory at Corktown, has made a $1 billion investment in Argo AI, an artificial intelligence company.

Investing in Detroit and local communities

Ford has a longstanding history of investing in Detroit and local communities. In addition to the new information center, Ford's Corktown community engagement efforts include public meetings, events and a neighborhood-focused newsletter.

Ford is restoring the long-abandoned train station into the centerpiece of a new innovation hub that will encompass several surrounding buildings, including The Factory and an Albert Kahn-designed former public school book depository.

'For more than a century, Ford and Detroit have worked together to turn local ideas, inspiration and hard work into programs that improve people's lives,' said Culler. 'We look forward to our continued partnership with the community and others as we develop Michigan Central Station into a place that inspires innovation and creativity.'

The new information center will be open 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and noon-4 p.m. Saturday. Beginning the week of June 24, the center will be open 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and noon-4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Photo credit: Ford
posted on conceptcarz.com

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