Ford begins phase two of construction at Michigan Central Station

Phase two is scheduled to wrap up in 2021.

Ford announced on Tuesday that it has begun the second stage of restoration at Michigan Central Station. When finished, Ford will use the former train depot as the centerpiece of a new innovation hub in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood.

Ford began the first phase of construction at Michigan Central Station in December of last year, which consisted of drying the building out. After six months of work -- and the removal of 227,000 gallons of water -- the inside of the building is finally dry and ready for the next phase of work.

Phase two of construction at the site will consist of repairing the building's steel structure and restoring eight acres of masonry. Ford will start work on the building's 15-story tower, followed by work on the Grand Lobby in the fall.

In addition to shoring up the building's structure, Ford will also tackle restoring some of the train station's decorative items during phase two of the construction process. Aesthetic updates will include restoring the Guastavino tile vaulted ceiling located in the station's waiting room, and either restoring or replicating the building's ornamental pieces.

Phase two of the restoration of Michigan Central Station is expected to take two years. Once complete, Ford will begin phase three of the project, which will entail finishing the building's interior to ready it for tenants. If everything goes as planned, the building will open to the public in 2022.