Michigan Central Station
Image Credit: Jason Keen
Location
Detroit, MI
Services
Materials
Tile
Mortar
Awards
2024 AIA Michigan Building Award
2024 AIA Maryland Excellence in Design Award
2024 AIA Richmond Honor Award
2024 AIA Virginia Honor Award
2024 CREW Detroit Impact Award
2024 Retrofit Magazine Metamorphosis Award
2024 Copper Development Association, North American Copper in Architecture Award
2024 CoStar Impact Awards, Redevelopment of the Year
JBC completed a comprehensive conditions assessment and materials testing on the Guastavino tile ceilings in the main waiting room of Detroit’s Michigan Central Station. The Beaux-Arts style building was constructed in 1913 as a three-story train depot with an eighteen-story office tower. Upon its completion, it was the tallest train station in the world and had ten platforms serving the Michigan Central, New York Central, Baltimore and Ohio, and Canadian Pacific railroads. After World War II, ridership decreased and train service became unprofitable. Passenger service at Michigan Central ceased with the last train departing the station January 6, 1988.
The long-vacant and derelict building was purchased by the Ford Motor Company in 2018 with plans for its complete rehabilitation and a full restoration of the historic main waiting room. As part of the restoration, JBC performed a comprehensive conditions assessment of the massive waiting room’s Guastavino tile ceiling, including sounding each one of the more than 29,000 tiles that make up the ceiling. JBC also conducted materials testing including mortar analyses, cleaning tests on the heavily soiled tiles, salt analysis, and compression testing. Following initial instigations, JBC prepared technical specifications for the fabrication, cleaning, and restoration of the Guastavino tiles. During construction, JBC provided administration services including submittal and mock-up review, construction oversight, and punch listing upon the completion of each ceiling bay.
Project Scope
Thorough assessment of over 29,000 Guastavino tiles to identify conditions including cracks, spalls, water infiltration, & heavy soiling.
Performed tile sounding to define locations and extents of delamination.
Materials testing of Guastavino tile and analysis of the mortars and setting bed.
Developed means and methods of restoration, including complete technical specifications for the cleaning, fabrication, and restoration of the Guastavino tile.
Worked closely with a fabricator to replicate tiles for replacement.
Provided construction administration services including submittal and mock-up review and punch listing.
Michigan Central Station after rehabilitation. (Image Credit: Jason Keen)
Main Waiting Room before rehabilitation. (Image Credit: Bob Laperriere)
Main Waiting Room after rehabilitation. (Image Credit: Jason Keen)
Main Waiting Room before rehabilitation. (Image Credit: Alanna St. Laurent Photography)
Main Waiting Room after rehabilitation. (Image Credit: Jason Keen)
Main Waiting Room before rehabilitation. (Image Credit: Alanna St. Laurent Photography)
Main Waiting Room ceiling after rehabilitation. (Image Credit: Jason Keen)
Main Waiting Room before rehabilitation. (Image Credit: Alanna St. Laurent Photography)
Main Waiting Room in 1973. (Image Credit: Dave Jordano)
Conservators sound Guastavino ceiling tiles to locate areas of detachment.
A conservator sounds and marks deteriorated tiles for replacement.
Severely deteriorated Guastavino tiles.
Replica Guastavino tiles, ready for installation.
During restoration.
A conservator inspects completed work during punchlisting.