Where scaffolding once stood, windows now catch the morning light. Streets that echoed with the sounds of rebuilding have softened into a quieter rhythm. Across downtown, buildings once forgotten stand restored, their details visible again—the curve of stone, the glint of copper, the weight of brick.
Detroit’s newest landmarks—Michigan Central Station, the Hudson’s Detroit tower, the Book Tower, the Shinola and Cambria hotels, and the riverfront—signal more than progress. They mark a turning point. The work is still ongoing, but the shape of the city feels clear again, steady and sure, built on everything that endured.
Michigan Central Station
In Corktown, Michigan Central Station opened in 1913, embodying Detroit’s energy with soaring ceilings, marble walls, and chandeliers that gleamed with ambition. When the last train left in 1988, the promise of progress felt broken. The station stood silent for years, a haunting monument to what Detroit had lost.
Then, Ford Motor Company purchased the station in 2018 and began one of the most ambitious restorations in modern architecture. Over six years, artisans and craftspeople brought it back to life, reviving its marble, tile, and limestone facades. The station is now an innovation hub for mobility, creativity, and community. Visitors can explore a variety of shops, pop-ups, and cafes that blend history with modern design.
Places to Visit Inside Michigan Central Station
- The Shop – A curated retail space featuring Detroit-made jewelry, apparel, and gifts.
- Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts – Hand-roasted coffee and freshly made donuts.
- Peoples Records – A pop-up vinyl shop featuring Detroit artists and vintage finds.
- Source Booksellers – An independent pop-up bookstore showcasing local authors.
Walking through its restored hallways, you can feel history and possibility intertwine. What was once a symbol of decay now reflects the city’s future in motion.
Guided and self-led tours are available throughout the week, offering visitors a closer look at the restoration work, hidden architectural details, and the stories behind Detroit’s most iconic station.
I attended the grand opening in June 2024 and will sometimes visit early Saturday mornings to grab a donut and coffee to get some writing done. It’s an astoundingly beautiful space and worth a visit.
Hudson’s Detroit
On Woodward Avenue, the site once occupied by the original J. L. Hudson’s department store has been reborn. The original building, once the tallest department store in the world, closed in 1983 and was demolished in 1998, leaving behind an empty space in the city’s heart.
Now that space has been transformed into Hudson’s Detroit, a 49-story tower that blends offices, residences, a hotel, restaurants, and retail into one striking development. Created by Bedrock Detroit, the building is both a return and a declaration—a signal that Detroit is ready to rise again.
Shops and Restaurants at Hudson’s Detroit
- ALO Yoga – High-quality athletic wear in a bright, minimalist space.
- Tecovas – Fine handcrafted leather boots and western accessories.
- Un Deux Trois – A coffee and pastry stand along Nick Gilbert Way.
The mix of retailers adds polish to the city’s main corridor, but it also raises quiet hopes that future storefronts will include more spaces shaped by and for Detroiters themselves. Brands and businesses that reflect the city’s rhythm, creativity, and local roots would make Hudson’s feel not just new, but genuinely a reflection of home.
Book Tower
Completed in 1926, the Book Tower was once a proud example of Renaissance-style architecture and Detroit’s ambition. After decades of vacancy, its recent restoration has returned it to glory. The new Book Tower combines residential units, The Roost Hotel, and some of the city’s most inviting new dining spaces.
Restaurants and Bars Inside Book Tower
- Le Suprême – A French brasserie offering refined dining on Washington Boulevard.
- Kamper’s – A rooftop bar with Spanish-inspired small plates and panoramic views of downtown.
- Bar Rotunda – A cozy lounge serving curated cocktails, baked goods, and evening desserts.
Book Tower’s restoration is one of Detroit’s finest examples of preservation meeting possibility. Every polished staircase and gleaming chandelier tells a story of craftsmanship returned to its rightful place.
Shinola Hotel
The Shinola Hotel brings together several historic buildings along Woodward Avenue and transforms them into an elegant, contemporary space that reflects the city’s creativity. It is far more than a hotel and stands firm as a trifecta of hospitality, design, and most importantly, Detroit culture.
Where to Eat and Drink In and Around the Shinola Hotel
- San Morello – Southern Italian cuisine created by award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini.
- Evening Bar – A speakeasy-style cocktail bar with a timeless atmosphere.
- The Brakeman – A lively beer hall featuring Detroit-brewed craft beers and games.
- Penny Red’s – Crispy fried chicken and honey biscuits served in Parker’s Alley.
- Mister Dips – Burgers, shakes, and sundaes in a fun retro setting.
Each space within the Shinola Hotel carries its own rhythm, from elegant dinners to casual meetups, all rooted in Detroit’s spirit of craftsmanship and community.
The Detroit Riverfront
The Detroit Riverfront is one of the city’s most transformative achievements. Once dominated by shipping and industry, it is now a continuous five-mile stretch of parks, pathways, and gathering places. The revitalization has turned what was once closed off into one of Detroit’s most beautiful and welcoming destinations.
Things to Do Along the Riverfront
- Walk or bike the scenic Riverwalk that connects parks, gardens, and public art.
- Stop by local food trucks and pop-up coffee stands throughout the season.
- Visit restaurants and patios overlooking the Detroit River and Canada beyond.
- Attend concerts, festivals, or yoga sessions along the waterfront.
The Riverfront is not just about restoration. It is about belonging—a living example of what happens when a city invests in its people as much as its skyline.
Revitalization, Brick by Brick
Each of these spaces carries the body and soul of Detroit’s story. Michigan Central Station bridges the city’s industrial roots with its technological future. Hudson’s Detroit brings new rhythm to downtown. The Book Tower restores beauty through precision. The Shinola Hotel brings together art, food, and craft in a way that feels unmistakably Detroit. The Riverfront completes the picture, transforming the city’s edge into its gathering place.
Detroit’s renewal lives not just in its buildings, but in the persistence of those who refused to let them fade. The architecture is no longer a monument to what was lost, but proof of what endures.
Lence in Layers 