Press Releases Archives - Michigan Central https://michigancentral.com/category/press-releases/ Corktown, Detroit Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:53:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://michigancentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/cropped-mc-_logo-32x32.jpg Press Releases Archives - Michigan Central https://michigancentral.com/category/press-releases/ 32 32 Winter at The Station to turn Detroit landmark into a holiday wonderland https://michigancentral.com/winter-at-the-station-to-turn-detroit-landmark-into-a-holiday-wonderland/ Wed, 05 Nov 2025 16:32:47 +0000 https://michigancentral.com/?p=22971 DETROIT — As the cold weather and holiday season approaches, The Station at Michigan Central will once again transform into a destination for holiday spirit, shopping and live entertainment. Winter at The Station 2025, Michigan Central’s second annual holiday celebration, will run from Friday, Nov. 14 through Sunday, Dec. 28. Building on the success of […]

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DETROIT — As the cold weather and holiday season approaches, The Station at Michigan Central will once again transform into a destination for holiday spirit, shopping and live entertainment. Winter at The Station 2025, Michigan Central’s second annual holiday celebration, will run from Friday, Nov. 14 through Sunday, Dec. 28.

Building on the success of last year’s monthlong series — which saw nearly 55,000 guests take in the splendor of The Station decked for the holidays — Winter at The Station will draw from traditions across cultures to honor the past, celebrate the present and usher in the future. This is Detroit’s invitation to experience the convergence of history, culture, and innovation in a festive, inclusive atmosphere.

Winter at The Station is a place for all to gather and celebrate” said Catherine Kelly, head of brand and communications at Michigan Central. “We believe that Winter at The Station will become a part of the city’s cultural identity and are working hard to ensure it becomes one of its most cherished holiday traditions.” ​

Detroit’s new holiday tradition

Experience the magic of the season inside the restored architectural gem, and see why Winter at The Station is fast becoming one of the city’s can’t-miss holiday destinations and most cherished traditions. From live music performances to shopping at local retailers to just soaking up the festive atmosphere with a cocktail, Winter at The Station has something for everyone.

Most of the programming will be free and open to the public, with some being ticketed events. Attendees can check Michigan Central – Events at Michigan Central for more details.

Stunning holiday decor

The Station will again feature enchanting winter decorations throughout, featuring contemporary seasonal decor. Don’t miss a show-stopping display that honors The Station’s past. You’ll want to grab your camera for photo ops and to capture The Station’s historic halls decked for the holidays.

Your local shopping destination

Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts from nearly a dozen Detroit artisans and retailers at our pop-ups, and find exclusive merchandise at The Shop inside The Station’s historic ticket office. Peruse local wares at Neighbor x Folk. All of this amid the authentic energy of the city. On Friday, Nov. 28 and Saturday, Nov. 29, shopping hours will be extended until 9 p.m. A gift-wrapping service also will be provided for a fee or will be free for items purchased at The Shop.

Where the future of innovation meets the holidays

Discover how technology can bring us together. Children can engage with a hands-free digital coloring book, and the Innovation Room brings the story of Michigan Central’s progress to life. Plus, you won’t want to miss a special arrival pulling into The Station for the Winter at The Station festivities.

All of this and more begins with opening night on Nov. 14, so mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!

Fun for the whole family

While shopping and taking in the holiday decor, guests can listen to the future of Detroit music through a number of performances curated by local music mastermind collective D. Cipher. Artists span a variety of genres, from jazz to soul to electronic to acoustic pop and artists like Wendell Harrison and Ackeem Salmon. Kicking off Winter at The Station on Friday, Nov. 14 will be Steffanie Christi’an, performing at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., with DJ Legendary J. Hearns spinning tunes throughout the evening. For opening night, tickets are required and cost $15.

Michigan Central and Henry Ford Health are partnering with the Detroit Pistons to host Storytime at The Station, a free, family-friendly reading event that will feature a Pistons player reading and an appearance by Hooper, the Pistons mascot.

The event celebrating literacy, wellness, and community connection will run from 3-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. Seating is limited for this event, and pre-registration on Michigan Central’s website is required. Those who register will receive free books while supplies last (one per family). Henry Ford Health pediatricians will also be on-site to answer questions and help families sign up for primary care.

Also for kids, local kids brand Sammy Whammy’s will hold a felt cookie-decorating workshop from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, and a felt train garland workshop from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. The Metro Detroit-based company makes sweatshop-free clothing and stuffed animals, including an exclusive train conductor Teddy bear that will be available at The Shop. No pre-registration is required for these free children’s workshops.

On Saturday, Nov. 8, The Station will host a greeting card collage workshop with Homespun and Green from 10 a.m. to noon. A holiday floral centerpiece workshop will help you make your holiday spreads stand out. VidaBloomz will guide participants in creating a stunning seasonal centerpiece and styling their holiday table with seasonal blooms, textures, and festive details. Finally, a workshop from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 13 will teach you how to use block printing to make your own personalized wrapping paper.

Tickets for all events, as well as the full schedule, are available at Michigan Central – Events at Michigan Central .

Enjoy hot drinks and fresh bites from Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts and scratch-made frozen treats from Momento Gelato daily throughout Winter at The Station. Plus, enjoy seasonal food, beverages and specialty cocktails in the Concourse on special event days.

Parking

Help us keep neighborhood streets accessible, especially as the snow starts to fall. Take advantage of ample parking available in the Bagley Mobility Hub parking garage for just $5 per vehicle. The garage is located at 1501 Wabash St, Detroit, MI 48216 near the intersection of Bagley and 14th Street, just southeast of The Station. ADA drop-off is available outside The Station’s east entrance on 15th street. Michigan Central is also accessible via public transportation.

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About Michigan Central

Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of nearly 250 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility, technology and society. Learn more at Michigan Central.

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Michigan Central and Grand Valley State University Partner to Expand Workforce Development and Educational Opportunity in Detroit https://michigancentral.com/michigan-central-and-grand-valley-state-university-partner-to-expand-workforce-development-and-educational-opportunity-in-detroit/ Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:04:06 +0000 https://michigancentral.com/?p=22818 Collaboration will address critical skills gaps by preparing students and workers for in-demand careers, opening new pathways for Detroit learners, and connecting education to industry through a growing innovation ecosystem Michigan Central is welcoming Grand Valley State University (GVSU) as a new key partner in its innovation ecosystem. As Detroit continues to build its innovation […]

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Collaboration will address critical skills gaps by preparing students and workers for in-demand careers, opening new pathways for Detroit learners, and connecting education to industry through a growing innovation ecosystem

Michigan Central is welcoming Grand Valley State University (GVSU) as a new key partner in its innovation ecosystem. As Detroit continues to build its innovation economy, the demand for skilled talent in fields like mobility, advanced manufacturing, and robotics is outpacing traditional education and workforce systems. This collaboration will help close that gap and significantly strengthen the region’s talent pipeline by integrating skills development and youth programming to create seamless classroom-to-career pathways within Detroit’s – and the region’s – growing mobility landscape.

The partnership integrates GVSU’s students, faculty, and adult learners directly into Michigan Central’s ecosystem. This will link academic learning with hands-on experience through Michigan Central’s network of startups and employers, while also providing access to its state-of-the-art infrastructure throughout the 30-acre district.

Importantly, the alliance aims to create accessible pathways that connect Detroiters to emerging careers and future industries through shared programming, on-site engagement, and new talent initiatives. By leveraging Michigan Central and working together, GVSU will expand its impact in Detroit, delivering high-impact, place-based initiatives that foster regional talent development and economic mobility.

“Michigan Central was designed as an open platform where education, industry, and community unite to solve real-world challenges,” said Carolina Pluszczynski, COO of Michigan Central. “This partnership with Grand Valley State University is a natural extension of that mission—equipping learners of all ages with the tools and connections they need to thrive in high-growth industries like mobility, advanced manufacturing, and robotics, while fostering a more accessible and prosperous region.”

GVSU’s unique blend of extensive regional reach, academic credibility, and unwavering commitment to equity in education makes it an ideal partner for Michigan Central’s mission. Its proven track record in community engagement, innovative and experiential curriculum design, and dedication to serving diverse student populations aligns perfectly with Michigan Central’s vision for an inclusive future.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to inclusive innovation, workforce readiness, and educational access for students in Detroit and throughout Southeast Michigan,” said Philomena Mantella, President of Grand Valley State University. “Together, we’re building bridges between higher education, industry, and community.”

Expanding Educational Access and Opportunity

Building on existing partnerships with institutions like the University of Michigan Center for Innovation and Wayne State University that expand opportunities for adult and post-secondary learners, Michigan Central’s collaboration with GVSU strengthens that foundation by placing a special emphasis on youth. The partnership introduces early pathways for young people to connect with higher education—offering access to credentialing and four-year degree opportunities that bring college-level learning into the ecosystem for the first time—through initiatives like the REP4 Program and GVSU’s Federal TRIO programming tied for middle and high schoolers.

Beyond youth-focused initiatives, Michigan Central and GVSU will co-develop short-term credentialing and upskilling programs for adults through GVSU’s Omni, expand flexible online and hybrid degree pathways for underserved learners, and create new applied research opportunities that connect GVSU students and faculty with startups and employers in the Michigan Central ecosystem across the mobility and technology sectors.

“Detroit is the front door to innovation and inclusion. Together with Michigan Central, GVSU is embedding programs that blend research, workforce readiness, and youth engagement in ways that create pathways to excellence and opportunity,” B. Donta Truss, Vice President for Enrollment Development & College Futures, Grand Valley State University. “For many, these programs will begin as early as 8th grade, serving as their first connection to higher education and setting them on a course toward educational accomplishment and lifelong success. This is a partnership built on action—and Detroit is at the center of that vision.”

To advance the partnership’s goals, GVSU will establish a physical footprint inside Michigan Central’s STEM lab on the dedicated floor for youth at The Station and a presence inside the Newlab at Michigan Central building. The partnership is already underway, with several initiatives in progress and others, including youth programming, launching in early 2026.

This agreement builds on Michigan Central’s ongoing commitment to accelerating innovation and opportunity. Since its launch, the ecosystem has become home to more than 240 companies and startups. Through its talent initiatives and programs, Michigan Central has served more than 3,000 youth and adults, recently strengthened by a $2M Google.org grant to continue Michigan Central’s work in expanding STEM opportunities for local students.

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MDOT, the City of Detroit and Michigan Central to build a new multimodal transportation hub in Detroit https://michigancentral.com/mdot-the-city-of-detroit-and-michigan-central-to-build-a-new-multimodal-transportation-hub-in-detroit/ Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:49:33 +0000 https://michigancentral.com/?p=22805  MDOT, the City of Detroit and Michigan Central signed an MOU to begin preliminary assessments for a new multimodal transportation hub located within the 30-acre Michigan Central Innovation District, on a parcel just southwest of The Station. Partners will utilize a $10 million grant awarded to the MDOT through the Federal Transit Administration RAISE, and […]

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  •  MDOT, the City of Detroit and Michigan Central signed an MOU to begin preliminary assessments for a new multimodal transportation hub located within the 30-acre Michigan Central Innovation District, on a parcel just southwest of The Station.

  • Partners will utilize a $10 million grant awarded to the MDOT through the Federal Transit Administration RAISE, and an additional $30 million in state funds.

  • This proposed hub would include infrastructure for passenger rail and intercity bus.

  • Decisions about final project designs, funding and timelines will be shared as the exploratory phase progresses.

  • DETROIT, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the City of Detroit and Michigan Central today entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU), committing $40 million to initial research and engineering for the creation of a multimodal transportation hub on a parcel located within the 30-acre Michigan Central Innovation District, featuring a new passenger rail and intercity bus transit station.

    Designed to bring robust transportation infrastructure and enhanced multimodal connectivity options to the city, this hub will:

    • Serve as a new gateway, expanding access to the city and state with a direct connection between the Detroit-Ann Arbor Innovation Corridor and Detroit Metro Airport;

    • Support economic opportunities by strengthening the region’s interconnected innovation ecosystem with a proposed extension of a Chicago-Detroit Amtrak Wolverine train to Windsor and Toronto; and

    • Position Detroit as a leader in the region’s transit future, cementing Michigan as a destination for ongoing talent attraction and outside investment.

    “Downtown Detroit is open for business and on the move as one of the best places to live, work, and pioneer cutting-edge ideas,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s MOU lays the foundation for a new multimodal transportation hub that will grow our regional economy, make downtown Detroit more vibrant, and connect residents and visitors to our communities. It builds on a historic investment in transit that I signed in my seventh balanced, bipartisan budget. Let’s keep getting it done.”

    “As Detroit’s innovation ecosystem grows at an unprecedented rate, our transit infrastructure must evolve alongside it, by linking entrepreneurs and companies to emerging innovation zones and the opportunities they unlock,” said Josh Sirefman, CEO of Michigan Central. “This is just another step in positioning Michigan Central as the hub that not only connects people to possibility but drives regional growth.”

    Why Now

    MDOT currently owns and operates the aging Howard Street bus station that serves Greyhound, Indian Trails, Baron’s Bus, and the Amtrak station in the New Center neighborhood. Each of these facilities has passed its useful life span, are in need of major renovations, and do not offer the amenities and functionality expected by modern travelers.

    This proposed multimodal transportation hub at the Michigan Central Innovation District is an extension of its platform to implement new technologies and mobility solutions and would provide the district and its passengers with a more vibrant and accessible location, complete with modern amenities.

    “This is a positive step to further develop Michigan Central into a true transportation hub and innovation ecosystem,” said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich, P.E. “We look forward to working with partners Michigan Central, the City of Detroit and others to make this a reality.”

    This partnership comes as investment in southwest Detroit and Corktown continues to accelerate. Between Michigan Central and its 30-acre tech and cultural hub that includes more than 240 startups and 2,000 members, Ford Motor Co. and the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan’s official move-in to the Station, and Detroit City FC’s soccer stadium, momentum is well underway.

    While this work is still in the early stages, MDOT and Michigan Central are laying the foundation for a transit hub that connects people to jobs, education and opportunities.

    “For decades, Michigan Central Station was the gateway to Detroit, and we are excited to begin the work of re-establishing train service at a new multi-modal transit facility in the shadow of the station,” said Chief of Infrastructure for the City of Detroit, Sam Krassenstein. “Detroiters deserve a first-class facility for bus and train service and this agreement puts us on a path to make it happen.”

    Decisions about final project designs, funding, public engagement opportunities and project timelines will be developed and shared as the process moves forward.

    About Michigan Central

    Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of nearly 250 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility, technology and society. Learn more at Michigan Central .

    About MDOT

    MDOT is responsible for Michigan’s nearly 10,000-mile state highway system, comprising all M, I and US routes. It is the backbone of Michigan’s 120,000-mile highway, road and street network. MDOT also administers other state and federal programs for aeronautics, public transportation, freight and passenger rail, and others.

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    Aerialoop Launches Cargo Drone Pilot to Support Urban Mobility Innovation and Local Manufacturing Efforts in Detroit https://michigancentral.com/aerialoop-launches-cargo-drone-pilot-to-support-urban-mobility-innovation-and-local-manufacturing-efforts-in-detroit/ Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:57:38 +0000 https://michigancentral.com/?p=22696 Detroit, MI — September 15, 2025 — Aerialoop has deployed a new urban drone logistics pilot developed by Newlab in collaboration with Michigan Central, Airspace Link, Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, and the Michigan Department of Transportation. The pilot marks another major milestone for Michigan Central’s Advanced Aerial Innovation Region (AAIR) and will […]

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    Detroit, MI — September 15, 2025 — Aerialoop has deployed a new urban drone logistics pilot developed by Newlab in collaboration with Michigan Central, Airspace Link, Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, and the Michigan Department of Transportation. The pilot marks another major milestone for Michigan Central’s Advanced Aerial Innovation Region (AAIR) and will demonstrate the commercial and logistical potential of middle-mile drone operations in a real-world urban setting.

    Using AAIR’s shared infrastructure—including the rooftop launch pad at Newlab and the digital infrastructure provided by Airspace Link—Aerialoop operates a 1-mile round-trip drone route between Newlab at Michigan Central and The 23rd, a repurposed industrial site nearby that houses flexible production for emerging hardware companies. With clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the drone route files beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) from the roof of Newlab, above the adjacent railroad corridor. The Aerialoop drone transports lightweight small batch prototype parts which are manufactured at Newlab to support local assembly operations.

    Aerialoop—a drone logistics company that has completed more than 40,000 cargo delivery flights globally—was attracted to Newlab at Michigan Central in Detroit and secured funding through Michigan’s Advanced Aerial Mobility Activation Fund that laid the foundation for the pilot. As a Newlab member, Aerialoop has received support with prototyping and aligning pilot requirements to Detroit’s mobility ecosystem, enabling the company to focus on drone operations, route logistics, and flight management. To date, Aerialoop has successfully completed more than 600 flights at Michigan Central carrying cargo between properties. In total, Aerialoop has traversed more than 360 miles—a distance that’s almost equivalent to flying nonstop from Detroit to Baltimore—without adding additional traffic and emissions to the neighboring community. The cargo delivery via drone has proved to be 5X more energy efficient than if transported by vehicle through the streets of the Corktown neighborhood.

    “For Aerialoop, this pilot project has been an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate and integrate our technology into commercial airspace. Our highly capable and redundant drone system, combined with proprietary software, has been central to ensuring both the success and safety of operations,” said Jose Barzallo, Director of Operations at Aerialoop. “Highlighting not only the reliability of our platform but also its ability to operate at scale with high frequency operations. Equally important has been the seamless integration into the ecosystem created by our partners, which has made the path to flight faster and smoother. By leveraging the technology and systems within the Advanced Aerial Innovation Region, we have been able to operate to the highest safety standards.”

    To ensure safety and coordination of flights, Airspace Link—a Detroit-founded FAA-approved UAS service supplier—provides the critical digital infrastructure that enables safe and compliant drone operations throughout the pilot. The company’s cloud-based AirHub® Portal platform serves as the command operations center for the drone deliveries, managing airspace coordination, flight planning, and regulatory compliance. By integrating with Michigan Central’s AAIR infrastructure, Airspace Link’s technology accelerates the FAA approval process and ensures that all flights follow established safety protocols while navigating Detroit’s urban environment. This partnership demonstrates how specialized digital infrastructure is essential for scaling drone logistics in complex urban settings.

    “This pilot demonstrates the critical importance of robust digital infrastructure in enabling safe BVLOS operations in complex urban environments like Detroit,” said Michael Healander, CEO of Airspace Link. “Our AirHub® Portal platform provides the essential airspace awareness and drone operations management capabilities that allow multiple organizations to operate safely and compliantly in shared airspace. By integrating our B4UFLY safety checks and real-time situational awareness tools with Michigan Central’s AAIR infrastructure, we’re not just supporting this specific pilot—we’re proving that Detroit can serve as a model for how cities nationwide can embrace advanced aerial mobility while maintaining the highest safety standards.”

    This pilot is the latest development within AAIR, an urban air testbed headquartered at Michigan Central, which supports projects that advance the state’s innovation economy while delivering real public and commercial value. The effort also represents a scalable, collaborative model for drone-based logistics—bringing together technology operators, manufacturers, site owners, and regulators to reduce friction in deploying advanced delivery systems.

    “This pilot represents exactly what AAIR was built to enable—real-world application  of emerging aerial technology that solves practical, urban challenges,” said Matthew Whitaker, Director of Mobility Innovation Platforms at Michigan Central. “By harnessing the combined expertise, resources, and collaboration of the AAIR consortium, we’re demonstrating how industry, government, and innovators can work together to accelerate the future of aerial mobility.”

    “Aerieloop has demonstrated impressive, scaled flight operations in South America but struggled to find the regulatory and startup environment in the U.S. to land their U.S. headquarters,” said Garrett Winther, Chief Product Officer at Newlab. “Michigan’s combination of first-of-a-kind infrastructure of AAIR, an aligned startup ecosystem at Newlab, and the region’s industrial concentration has given them a fast-track to piloting and scaling in the U.S.”

    AAIR’s infrastructure and governance model set it apart from other drone testbeds by integrating the full spectrum of partners needed to move drone technology from concept to city-scale deployment. Newlab plays a central role in this ecosystem—designing the program framework, identifying, and onboarding startups like Aerialoop and Airspace Link, helping them test, refine, and scale pilot opportunities. Michigan Central’s shared-use facilities—including an Operations Center, the Launchpad at Newlab, and Scaled Launch Facility—are supported by Airspace Link’s digital airspace management tools. Additionally, AAIR recently launched a drone building inspection pilot with Lamarr.AI – A Vision Beyond What is Visible and the City of Detroit to identify opportunities for improved municipal building operations and energy efficiency.

    For more information about AAIR and Michigan Central’s role in building Detroit’s aerial mobility ecosystem, visit Michigan Central .

    About Michigan Central
    Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of nearly 250 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility, technology, and society. Learn more at Michigan Central .

    About Newlab
    Newlab is a venture platform for critical technology startups transforming core industrial sectors. We help startups commercialize faster by aligning Infrastructure, Commercialization Projects, and Capital in locations with strategic advantages. Newlab operates 3 innovation hubs globally and manages active pilot programming in additional regions. To date, Newlab has partnered with over 50 industry and government leaders and has supported its 400+ member companies in raising over $5.8B from venture capital firms, with over $2.3B of successful exits and a collective valuation of over $20B. Visit www.newlab.com to learn more.

    About Aerialoop

    Founded in 2018, Aerialoop is building the world’s first urban drone network to transform how cities move goods. With operations across multiple countries, Aerialoop is pioneering high-frequency, reliable, and sustainable air logistics that seamlessly integrate into daily urban life. Our Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS) model empowers third-party operators to access advanced drone technology, while our city-scale networks demonstrate the future of instant, zero-emission delivery. To date, Aerialoop has completed thousands of commercial flights, enabling critical deliveries in healthcare, e-commerce, and logistics, and is expanding into the U.S. with projects in Michigan, Texas, and New York. Aerialoop is backed by global investors and industry partners, and is setting the foundation for a scalable aerial logistics infrastructure that redefines access and connectivity. Visit Home | Aerialoop | Drone Services to learn more.

    About Airspace Link
    Founded in Detroit in 2018, Airspace Link is at the forefront of enabling safe drone integration into national airspace and communities. As a SOC 2 compliant, ISO 27001-certified, FAA-approved UAS Service Supplier, Airspace Link’s cloud-based AirHub® Portal platform serves as the operations center for comprehensive drone management, providing essential digital infrastructure to support the growing drone industry. Airspace Link delivers drone integration support and services to state and local governments, federal organizations and military installations, corporate drone teams, and more than 100,000 individual recreational pilots. For more information about Airspace Link and our AirHub® Portal drone operations management system, visit Airspace Link

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    Michigan Central to Debut Tin & Ed’s Largest U.S. Exhibition: Kaleidoscopic Home Opens August 6, 2025 https://michigancentral.com/michigan-central-to-debut-tin-eds-largest-u-s-exhibition-kaleidoscopic-home-opens-august-6-2025/ Wed, 06 Aug 2025 19:28:31 +0000 https://michigancentral.com/?p=22321 Immersive art-tech installation invites visitors of all ages to play, connect, and reimagine The Station DETROIT, MI — August 6, 2025 — Opening August 6, and through Detroit Month of Design in September, Michigan Central Art will present the Midwest premiere of Kaleidoscopic Home and Life Forces, an immersive, large-scale exhibition by internationally acclaimed artist […]

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    Immersive art-tech installation invites visitors of all ages to play, connect, and reimagine The Station

    DETROIT, MI — August 6, 2025 — Opening August 6, and through Detroit Month of Design in September, Michigan Central Art will present the Midwest premiere of Kaleidoscopic Home and Life Forces, an immersive, large-scale exhibition by internationally acclaimed artist duo Tin & Ed. Marking their most ambitious installation to date, the exhibition will span the West Mezzanine level of The Station, overlooking the iconic South Concourse and the historic rail tracks of Southwest Detroit. Visitors will encounter an experience that explores interconnections between nature, technology, and imagination – set within one of the region’s most iconic architectural landmarks.

    First conceived for SPACE10 in Copenhagen, Kaleidoscopic Home reimagines the idea of home as a living, breathing playscape. Inside The Station, visitors will encounter a mix of soft, oversized sculptures, a billowing inflatable centerpiece, and augmented reality activations that reveal animated digital forms layered into the room. Visitors of all ages are invited to stretch, climb, and rest throughout the space, discovering new ways to experience the building and connect with others.

    Presented alongside Kaleidoscopic Home, Life Forces is a digital installation that comes to life through visitor movement. Originally commissioned by Rockefeller Center, the work features a large LED screen filled with slowly moving, animated U.S. landscapes including mossy rocks, clusters of twigs, fungi, trees, and flowers. As visitors move in front of the screen, interactive motion technology allows them to become part of the scene—drifting like spores, growing like mushrooms, or shifting like stones—offering a playful and poetic way to reflect on how all life is connected.

    The installation includes a programming partnership with the Michigan Science Center, designed to engage families, students, and lifelong learners at the intersection of nature, design, and technology.

    This exhibition continues Michigan Central Art’s emergence as a cultural platform at the intersection of art, design, technology, and public space. Through installations, performances, cross-sector residencies, it fosters creative innovation, cultural connection, and global storytelling. Over the past year, Michigan Central has hosted large-scale installations like Suchi Reddy’s me + you, Iregular’s Solstice, and Carla Diana and Motomichi Nakamura’s MobilityTown and events featuring Ash Arder, Ruha Benjamin, and Kevin Beasley – affirming its role as a cultural anchor in Detroit’s creative community.

    “At Michigan Central, we’re creating a place where creative energy and public imagination can thrive,” said Kelly Kivland, Director and Lead Curator of Michigan Central Art. “Kaleidoscopic Home taps into that spirit. It invites people to move, connect,  and experience this historic space — and each other — in completely new ways.”

    “We’re so excited to share our work in Detroit for the first time. Michigan Central is such an historic icon of the city, and we hope our installation creates moments of play, curiosity, and wonder for everyone who visits,” said Tin & Ed.

    Tin & Ed are Australian artists based in New York whose collaborative, research-driven practice explores the connections between life, technology, and the natural world. They create immersive environments that invite audiences to experience the world beyond human perception. Their work has been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, the Getty Museum, Rockefeller Center, the Barbican Centre, and the ArtScience Museum, and is held in public collections including  the National Gallery of Victoria. The duo are also alumni and mentors of the New Museum’s NEW INC art-tech incubator.

    Kaleidoscopic Home opens August 6 and runs through September 21 at Michigan Central. Admission is free. Additional details and visitor info will be available at Michigan Central – Events at Michigan Central .

    Public Hours

    Wednesday-Sunday, 11am – 4pm

    Reservations recommended.

    The exhibition will be closed Sept 14, 17, and 18.

    Weekend Programming with the Michigan Science Center

    Every weekend throughout the run of the exhibition, the Michigan Science Center will lead themed, hands-on activities inside Kaleidoscopic Home. Designed by Mi-Sci educators, these drop-in sessions invite families and young learners to explore nature, design, and technology through creative play and STEM-based discovery. From building structures inspired by natural forms to experimenting with light, color, and motion, the workshops offer accessible, joy-filled learning moments for all ages.  A detailed programming schedule will be announced shortly.

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    About Michigan Central

    Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of nearly 250 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility, technology, and society. Learn more at Michigan Central .

    About Michigan Science Center

    The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) is a dynamic STEM hub advancing science, technology, engineering, and math education through discovery, innovation, and hands-on learning. As a Smithsonian affiliate, Mi-Sci engages nearly 250,000 visitors annually with interactive exhibits, live demos, a 4D theater, and traveling programs that reach communities across Michigan. Its mission is to be a leading force in STEM education—accessible, culturally relevant, and joyful for all ages. Mi-Sci is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and receives no city or state funding. Learn more at Mi-Sci.org.

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    Michigan Central and Newlab Announce 2025 Creative Residency to Cultivate Artistic Innovation https://michigancentral.com/michigan-central-and-newlab-announce-2025-creative-residency-to-cultivate-artistic-innovation/ Mon, 30 Jun 2025 13:05:58 +0000 https://michigancentral.com/?p=22142 June 30, 2025, DETROIT, MI — Michigan Central x Newlab today announced the 2025 participants in its Creative Residency, including both Fellows and Cohort members. This expanded initiative supports cultural practitioners pursuing projects at the intersection of art, technology, and community. Funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the program provides financial […]

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    June 30, 2025, DETROIT, MI Michigan Central x Newlab today announced the 2025 participants in its Creative Residency, including both Fellows and Cohort members. This expanded initiative supports cultural practitioners pursuing projects at the intersection of art, technology, and community.

    Funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the program provides financial support, access to design and fabrication resources, and a collaborative learning environment. Now in its second year, the residency program creates new pathways for creative and technological experimentation.

    The Michigan Central x Newlab Creative Residency provides space, tools, and networks to experiment and build cross-sector partnerships. Situated within the broader Michigan Central innovation ecosystem, and focused on process over product, the program champions creative entrepreneurship and explores sustainable ways to support today’s cultural producers.

    The residency is a key initiative of Michigan Central Art, the cultural non-profit of Michigan Central, which ensures art and creative practice are central to the district’s growth. In partnership with Newlab — a global venture platform for critical technology startups — the residency fully integrates artists into Detroit’s innovation ecosystem with access to state-of-the-art fabrication facilities and labs.

    “Detroit has always been a generator for creative ingenuity, where cultural vision and technological experimentation intersect,” said Kelly Kivland, Director and Lead Curator of Michigan Central Art. “This program builds on that spirit, by equipping artists with the space, tools, and collaborative environment to challenge norms and shape new narratives.”

    “For over a decade, Newlab has welcomed artists into our communities—not only to elevate their practice, but to challenge and expand how startups think about culture, community, and creativity,” said David Belt, Founder and CEO of Newlab. “This kind of exchange sharpens the imagination behind critical technology and ensures it lands in the world with intention.”

    2025 Fellowship

    The fellowship supports three creative practitioners with a $30,000 stipend, workspace and prototyping labs, and mentorship from researchers working on art, technology, and society. This year’s fellows are:

    2025 Cohort

    In addition to the Fellowships, 20 Detroit-based creatives have been selected for the six-month Cohort, a program focused on creative growth and collaboration. Cohort members will benefit from co-working spaces, peer learnings, and a course on creative entrepreneurship while furthering their practice within Detroit’s social and technological landscape.

    The 2025 Cohort members are alejandro t. acierto, Nadia Boone, Amanda Brezzell, Gustav Brovold, Mark Calaguas, Allana Clarke, Cyrah Dardas, Patrick Ethen, Samantha Flucht, Laura Foxman, John Gulbronson, Natalie Hicks, Greg Mays, Andrew Morton, Rubini Naidu, Vanessa Reynolds, Gabrielle Soltis, Taeyoon Choi, Francis Vallejo, and John Wolff. Full bios and headshots available to view here.

    “Through the Creative Residency, we’re investing in a new model for cultural innovation—one rooted in community, collaboration, and experimentation,” said Lauren Ruffin, Director and Lead Strategist of Michigan Central Art. “We are committed to empowering the next generation of cultural and technological innovators as they develop work that questions, connects, and inspires.”

    Through the residency’s tenure, the fellows and cohort will engage the public through open dialogues and workshops, leading up to a final presentation later this year.

    The Michigan Central x Newlab Creative Residency builds on the success of the 2024 cohort Simon Anton, Ash Arder, Leith Campbell, Michael Candy, Kristina Sheufelt and Wes Taylor; and Michigan Central Art’s inaugural programming to date, including presentations of Suchi Reddy’s me + you, Iregular’s Solstice, and Carla Diana and Motomishi Nakamura’s MobilityTown, as well as events featuring Ash Arder, Ruha Benjamin, Kevin Beasley, Tadeo Lopez-Sendon, Yinka Danmole, and Xinran Yuan.

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    About Michigan Central

    Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of nearly 250 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility, technology, and society. Learn more at Michigan Central.

    About Newlab

    Newlab is a venture platform for critical technology startups transforming core industrial sectors. We help startups commercialize faster by aligning Infrastructure, Projects, and Capital in locations with strategic advantages. Newlab operates 5 innovation hubs globally and manages active pilot programming in additional regions. To date, Newlab has partnered with over 50 industry and government leaders and has supported its 400+ member companies in raising over $5.8B from venture capital firms, with over $2.3B of successful exits and a collective valuation of over $20B. Visit www.newlab.com to learn more.

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    The Equitable Internet Initiative and Michigan Central Partner to Expand Low-Cost Internet to Southwest Detroit https://michigancentral.com/the-equitable-internet-initiative-and-michigan-central-partner-to-expand-low-cost-internet-to-southwest-detroit/ Fri, 20 Jun 2025 17:59:24 +0000 https://michigancentral.com/?p=22086 Detroit, MI — June 20, 2025 — Michigan Central today announced a landmark partnership with the Equitable Internet Initiative (EII) to bring affordable, high-speed internet access to the Corktown neighborhood and greater Southwest Detroit community. This collaboration—known as the Southwest Equitable Internet Initiative at Michigan Central (EII SWD)—marks a significant step toward bridging the digital […]

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    Detroit, MI — June 20, 2025 — Michigan Central today announced a landmark partnership with the Equitable Internet Initiative (EII) to bring affordable, high-speed internet access to the Corktown neighborhood and greater Southwest Detroit community. This collaboration—known as the Southwest Equitable Internet Initiative at Michigan Central (EII SWD)—marks a significant step toward bridging the digital divide and advancing digital equity for local residents. 

    As the tallest building in the neighborhood, the rooftop of The Station at Michigan Central has been outfitted with light-weight and low-power wireless radio equipment that ensures unobstructed, reliable connectivity to reach more than 4,500 households in the surrounding neighborhoods. The initiative specifically aims to connect at least 200 new households annually, with a five-year goal of reaching 675 households. 

    “Michigan Central is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive innovation ecosystem that benefits everyone in our community,” said Cornetta Lane-Smith, Director of Community Engagement at Michigan Central. “Access to the internet is a fundamental need in today’s economy, and through our partnership with EII, we’re ensuring that Southwest Detroit residents have the tools they need to thrive.”

    The EII—created in 2015—is a community-governed internet service focused on prioritizing affordability, resilience, and community empowerment. EII’s work has already transformed several Detroit neighborhoods by providing high-speed internet access, and digital literacy training. 

    “We believe the internet should be a public good that uplifts communities, not leave them behind,” said Aldo Medina, EII Digital Technician. “Partnering with Michigan Central allows us, the Southwest Equitable Internet Initiative team, to expand our reach and deepen our impact in Southwest Detroit, empowering residents with the connectivity they need to access education, employment, healthcare, and civic engagement opportunities.”

    The key features of the EII SWD include: 

    • Low-Cost and High-Speed Internet Access: With the newly installed infrastructure atop The Station, EII SWD will deliver fast and affordable wireless internet to underserved households at $10 per month without a contract. 
    • Workforce Development: Local residents will be trained as “Digital Stewards” as EII provides training, upskilling, and local employment opportunities.  
    • Network Resilience: EII SW features a built-in critical disaster preparedness infrastructure ensuring resilient access to the internet during power outages and emergencies.
    • Sustainable Growth: The future-ready infrastructure is capable of supporting additional community and business needs, laying the groundwork for further digital inclusion initiatives. 

    Services provided through EII SWD are limited to the 48216 and 48209 zip codes. Residents who are interested in learning more about EII SWD and receiving reliable, high-speed, wireless internet access at low costs, must apply online or contact EII directly:

    There is no deadline to apply. Residents will be accepted into the program on a rolling basis. 

    The initiative is made possible in part by a $300,000 Congressional Community Project Grant, alongside support from community partnerships and subscriber revenue that will sustain long-term operations.

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    About Michigan Central

    Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of about 730 employees from almost 130 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility and society. Learn more at www.MichiganCentral.com.

    About the Equitable Internet Initiative

    Launched in 2016, the Equitable Internet Initiative (EII) is a community internet collective committed to bridging Detroit’s digital divide by empowering historically marginalized residents. Our mission is to ensure that more Detroiters can access and leverage digital technologies for social and economic development. EII is run by grassroots internet technicians, combining technical skill with a deep commitment to community care — trained to build, maintain, and govern neighborhood internet infrastructure that centers accessibility, digital consent, safety, and resilience. We provide internet service to residents in the 48210, 48209, and 48216 zip codes of Southwest Detroit. EII is a collaboration between Grace in Action Collectives and the Detroit Community Technology Project (DCTP).

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    Michigan Central Brings Culture and Commerce Together with Vinyl, Books, and More https://michigancentral.com/michigan-central-brings-culture-and-commerce-together-with-vinyl-books-and-more/ Thu, 19 Jun 2025 13:05:50 +0000 https://michigancentral.com/?p=22078 Detroit, MI – June 17, 2025 –  This month, Michigan Central celebrates one year since The Station reopened to the public – marking a milestone with expanded retail offerings, cultural programming, and continued momentum as a vibrant hub for the city. From the launch of two beloved Detroit retailers to Fridays at The Station, Michigan […]

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    Detroit, MI – June 17, 2025 –  This month, Michigan Central celebrates one year since The Station reopened to the public – marking a milestone with expanded retail offerings, cultural programming, and continued momentum as a vibrant hub for the city. From the launch of two beloved Detroit retailers to Fridays at The Station, Michigan Central continues to build a destination that connects Detroit’s cultural legacy with its creative future.

    “At Michigan Central, we’re creating a space where Detroit’s cultural DNA shapes everything–from record bins to independent bookstores to global hospitality. We’re honoring the city’s legacy while creating space for new stories, new voices, and a future that’s bold and unmistakably Detroit,” said Catherine Kelly, Head of Brand & Strategic Communications at Michigan Central. 

    Limited-Edition Poster Marks One Year

    To commemorate the one-year anniversary of The Station’s reopening, Michigan Central partnered with nonprofit letterpress studio Signal Return to release a limited-edition 12×18 poster, designed and printed exclusively for The Shop inside The Station. Only 500 hand-numbered copies will be available, priced at $40. 

    New Pop-Ups from Peoples Records and Source Booksellers Launch June 27 

    Two iconic Detroit retailers, Peoples Records and Source Booksellers, will launch pop-ups inside The Station. 

    Peoples Records, known for its deep ties to Detroit’s music history, will bring deep crates of vintage vinyl at $1, $5, and $10, turntables for in-store listening, band tees and collectibles, and a live DJ set to celebrate opening day. 

    “My connection to The Station goes back years, as a lover of both trains and Detroit’s historic architecture,” said Brad Hales, owner of Peoples Records. “Even when it sat abandoned, I’d marvel at its scale and beauty. It was hard to believe something so grand could be built and then left behind. I never dreamed the building would ever be restored, let alone that Peoples Records would be part of its work to help preserve and celebrate the city’s musical history. It’s like several dreams coming true simultaneously.” 

    Source Booksellers, an independent bookstore, will feature a curated selection of titles focused on Detroit History, local voices and authors, and the city’s rich train and automotive legacy.

    “As an Independent bookstore in Detroit specializing in non-fiction, we are delighted to join the pop up family at The Station at Michigan Central,” said Alyson Turner, co-owner of Source Booksellers. 

    Fridays at The Station: A Peoples Records Takeover

    That evening, from 5-10pm, The Station’s concourse transforms for Fridays at The Station, Michigan Central’s monthly celebration of music, food, and community. This month’s edition will feature a Peoples Records takeover, with DJs handpicked from their deep local network spinning vinyl. 

    New for June, attendees can enjoy a full bar, including signature cocktails inspired by The Station, alongside food by Chef Dom. Guests can also visit Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts as well as Neighbor x Folk in The Station’s retail arcade. 

    For full June event details and tickets, visit michigancentral.com/events.

    A Cultural Anchor 

    This work is part of Michigan Central’s broader mission to turn The Station into a global destination for residents and visitors alike. Earlier this month, Michigan Central and Motor City Cinema Society presented a cinematic celebration of Black storytelling through The Black Canon, a Detroit-based arts collective and archive. 

    It also follows the recent announcement that NoMad Detroit, a lifestyle hotel, will open in The Station in 2027. Developed by Sydell Group and Hilton, the hotel will activate The Station’s top floors for the first time, bringing world-class hospitality to the heart of Michigan Central. 

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    About Michigan Central

    Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of nearly 250 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility, technology, and society. Learn more at Michigan Central.

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    Lamarr.AI Launches Drone Pilot to Advance Energy Efficiency in City of Detroit Buildings https://michigancentral.com/lamarr-ai-launches-drone-pilot-to-advance-energy-efficiency-in-city-of-detroit-buildings/ Mon, 09 Jun 2025 17:24:27 +0000 https://michigancentral.com/?p=22066 Innovative drone inspection is one of the first to launch under the Advanced Aerial Innovation Region (AAIR)—a real-world testing ground for next-generation drone operations based at Michigan Central. Detroit, MI – June 9, 2025 – Lamarr.AI, in partnership with Michigan Central and Newlab, has launched a drone inspection pilot to identify opportunities for improved municipal […]

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    Innovative drone inspection is one of the first to launch under the Advanced Aerial Innovation Region (AAIR)—a real-world testing ground for next-generation drone operations based at Michigan Central.

    Detroit, MI – June 9, 2025 – Lamarr.AI, in partnership with Michigan Central and Newlab, has launched a drone inspection pilot to identify opportunities for improved municipal building operations and energy efficiency. Supported by the State of Michigan’s Advanced Aerial Mobility Activation Fund, this initiative utilizes Advanced Aerial Innovation Region (AAIR)—the real-world testing ground created for next-generation drone operations at Michigan Central

    The data, including thermal imaging and building analytics for selected City-owned facilities, will be provided to the City of Detroit to support efforts in identifying energy-saving improvements and optimizing building performance. The City partnered on deploying the technology in three municipal buildings and will be provided building reports as part of a permitted project through the Office of Mobility Innovation’s Transportation Innovation Zone (TIZ).

    Lamarr.AI, a Newlab member company, has created a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) platform that autonomously and rapidly processes data captured by drones to create detailed thermal 3D models and energy simulations. These models will help the City identify thermal inefficiencies, assess structural conditions, and optimize potential upgrades.

    Lamarr.AI is revolutionizing how the health of building exteriors and roofs can be evaluated. Born from collaborative research efforts across MIT, Georgia Tech, and Syracuse University, the platform collects high-resolution data and imagery utilizing drones, thermal imaging, and AI to accelerate the transition to high performance buildings.

    “This partnership represents what’s most powerful about cross-sector collaboration—bringing together public agencies, startups, and infrastructure partners to accelerate meaningful progress toward sustainability,” said Dr. Tarek Rakha, CEO and Co-founder of Lamarr.AI. “By combining thermal 3D mapping, AI, and energy performance simulation, we’re making the invisible visible—uncovering inefficiencies and delivering actionable insights that can scale energy retrofits across entire cities. Detroit is leading by example, and we’re proud to support their vision with cutting-edge tools built for impact.”

    Lamarr.AI, supported by FlyGuys and Airspace Link, evaluated multiple city-owned buildings using its AI-powered drone inspection technology. In Southwest Detroit, at the Fourth Precinct and Engine 27, the system identified more than 460 thermal deficiencies –including insulation gaps and potential water infiltration – within days, a process that would traditionally take weeks. These insights were mapped to 3D models and paired with energy simulations, showing that targeted upgrades could reduce HVAC energy use by up to 22 percent at all tested buildings.

    Recommended improvements are part of the final reports and include a tiered approach to retrofits such as targeted weatherization at the curtainwall, replacement of specific failing windows, continuous wall insulation, and roof enhancements designed to boost comfort, reduce maintenance, and cut emissions. Similar evaluations at two other municipal buildings are helping the City assess the broader impact and scalability of drone-enabled inspections to support energy efficiency and decarbonization goals across its portfolio.

    By combining the capabilities of Detroit’s public agencies, local innovation startups, and infrastructure partners, the project showcases how collaborative drone deployment can directly support city operations. The pilot is also part of Michigan Central’s broader effort to create a replicable framework for responsible drone use in dense urban environments.

    “This pilot is a prime example of how public-private collaboration can unlock innovative solutions for cities,” said Tim Slusser, Chief Mobility Officer for the City of Detroit. “By partnering with Lamarr.AI, Michigan Central, and Newlab, we’re not only exploring the future of aerial mobility – we’re actively applying it to make Detroit’s buildings smarter, more energy efficient, and better equipped for the future. It’s exciting to see Detroit continue to lead as a real-world testbed for technology that creates real impact for our residents.”

    Advanced Aerial Innovation Region

    AAIR brings together government, private industry, and technology partners to pilot real-world drone solutions that address urban challenges.

    • AAIR’s infrastructure and governance model at Michigan Central set it apart from other drone testbeds by integrating the full spectrum of partners needed to move drone technology from concept to city-scale deployment.

    • Airspace Link’s digital airspace management tools—which accelerate the FAA approval process and ensure safe, compliant operations—support deployment across Michigan Central’s 30 acres of shared-use facilities, including an Operations Center, Launchpad, and Scaled Launch Facility.

    • Newlab plays a central role by attracting global startups like Lamarr.AI to Michigan and helping leverage the ecosystem to test, refine, and scale pilot opportunities.

    • The City of Detroit is serving as a pilot site, demonstrating how real-world data can directly inform and enhance municipal building operations strategy. This unique ecosystem allows AAIR to exemplify the region’s commitment to using innovation to deliver real public value.

    “The Advanced Aerial Innovation Region in Detroit is a unique and key asset to developing and deploying new drone technology applications,” said Matt Whitaker, Director of Mobility Innovation Platforms at Michigan Central. “We are not only enabling these technologies to be tested in real-world environments—we are creating the conditions for Lamarr.AI and other startups to unlock significant scale as they deliver valuable urban innovation.”

    For more information about Michigan Central and AAIR, visit Michigan Central.

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    About Lamarr.AI

    Lamarr.AI is the one-stop platform for building envelope analytics and energy retrofit decision-making. By combining drone-based thermal and visible-range imaging, advanced AI analytics, and energy simulation, Lamarr.AI delivers fast, accurate, and cost-effective diagnostics to detect and prioritize inefficiencies. Lamarr.AI’s end-to-end solution empowers building owners, facilities managers, and cities to reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and extend the life of their buildings—transforming how the built environment is maintained and decarbonized.

    About Michigan Central

    Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of about 2,000 employees from nearly 250 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility and society.

    About Newlab

    Newlab is a venture platform for critical technology startups transforming core industrial sectors. We help startups commercialize faster by aligning Infrastructure, Projects, and Capital in locations with strategic advantages. Newlab operates 4 innovation hubs globally and manages active pilot programming in additional regions.

    The post Lamarr.AI Launches Drone Pilot to Advance Energy Efficiency in City of Detroit Buildings appeared first on Michigan Central.

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    Michigan Central to Bring New NoMad Hotel to Detroit https://michigancentral.com/michigan-central-to-bring-new-nomad-hotel-to-detroit/ Mon, 02 Jun 2025 08:57:01 +0000 https://michigancentral.com/?p=22047 Hilton’s first luxury lifestyle hotel in the United States, NoMad Detroit is set to open in 2027, part of Ford Motor Company’s visionary plan for the former train depot turned tech and culture hub DETROIT – June 2, 2025 – NoMad Hotels has announced its debut in Michigan, following an agreement with Ford Motor Company […]

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    Hilton’s first luxury lifestyle hotel in the United States, NoMad Detroit is set to open in 2027, part of Ford Motor Company’s visionary plan for the former train depot turned tech and culture hub

    DETROIT – June 2, 2025 – NoMad Hotels has announced its debut in Michigan, following an agreement with Ford Motor Company to open a nearly 180-guest room hotel in Detroit. The hotel will be housed within The Station at Michigan Central, a 30-acre tech and cultural hub. This is part of an ambitious effort to revitalize Detroit’s historic, once-abandoned passenger rail station. NoMad Detroit closely follows the announcement of the brand’s Asia debut in Singapore, after Sydell Group and Hilton partnered together last year in a joint venture to grow the NoMad brand. The NoMad brand was founded in 2011 and is led by CEO Andrew Zobler, an industry veteran in the lifestyle hospitality space. NoMad’s legacy in creative place making is unmistakable, with its brand becoming a namesake for the New York neighborhood it helped revitalize.

    “NoMad has built a reputation for developing hotels that take inspiration from the history, art, design and culture that make a place unique, and NoMad Detroit is poised to be no exception,” said Andrew Zobler, Founder & CEO, Sydell Group. “A city steeped in history with an incredibly bright future, NoMad Detroit is part of an ambitious project that is transforming The Station at Michigan Central into a center for commerce, innovation, community and culture. As we continue the international expansion of NoMad from the iconic London location, with plans to launch in Detroit and Singapore and more in the works, we look forward to giving travelers a chance to experience our unparalleled luxury in the most vibrant destinations.”forward-looking while also celebrating the past.

    Expected to open in 2027, NoMad Detroit will anchor the west side of The Station and the top five floors of the building’s tower. Nearly 180 guestrooms, including 30 suites, are slated for the upper floors, marking the first time in the building’s history that floors 14-18 will be occupied. Visitors will also enjoy luxury wellness facilities and additional amenities. Originally opened in 1913, The Station was designed by architects Warren & Wetmore and Reed & Stem, the same team behind New York’s famed Grand Central. NoMad, a globally recognized hospitality innovator, will reimagine The Station’s historic restaurant and carriage house with its signature restaurant and bar concepts. The interior design will celebrate the work of Detroit artists and makers throughout public and guest spaces, continuing NoMad’s tradition of working with local collaborators to make its hotels at once global and very rooted locally.

    “A year after we opened Michigan Central Station to the world, our vision to create a global innovation hub and a destination symbolizing Detroit’s future is well underway,” said Bill Ford, executive chair of Ford Motor Company. “Together with NoMad and Hilton, we are now announcing the next phase of our ambitious vision offering visitors and the community a unique hotel destination and memorable food and beverage experiences in this iconic landmark.  The new NoMad Detroit hotel will not just be a place to stay, but an energetic and exciting gathering place for years to come.”

    Detroit is the only U.S. city to be designated by UNESCO as a City of Design, making it the perfect home for NoMad’s Michigan debut, while The Station’s storied past leaves deep wells of inspiration for the hotel’s design. Initially opened in 1913 and replacing the previous Detroit Union Depot, The Station’s more than 110-year history will ground the hotel’s design. Restorations of historic architectural details are important, not just to the aesthetic of the hotel, but to make sure that each guest’s stay helps them connect to their environment. NoMad’s careful renovation of the space will connect the rich history of Michigan Central Station and the City of Detroit with NoMad’s global spirit. NoMad Detroit’s design will be borne out of a collaboration with local artists and makers to create a compelling concept that engages with the community.

    “Michigan Central is proud to welcome the NoMad brand to Detroit, bringing world-class hospitality to one of the country’s most iconic buildings,” said Josh Sirefman, CEO, “NoMad’s track record of thoughtfully integrating into culturally significant places and for creating spaces that celebrate local character made them a natural fit. This partnership is a continuation of our work of turning The Station at Michigan Central into a global destination that serves residents and attracts visitors as well as inspiring entrepreneurs, industry, and creatives.”

    The announcement of NoMad Detroit comes nearly one year after Michigan Central and Ford celebrated The Station’s reopening last June and propels the project forward to its next phase of reactivation as a global destination. As the centerpiece of Michigan Central’s 30-acre district, The Station supercharges the growth of Detroit’s technology ecosystem by accommodating larger tenants and established companies, attracting technology talent, drawing in diverse businesses and integrating youth training. Since launching in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse innovation ecosystem with  nearly 240 companies.  Michigan Central and Ford opened The Station in June 2024, after a meticulous six-year restoration, as the centerpiece of the 30-acre district. Today, The Station has become home to multinational corporations and small businesses as tenants and has welcomed nearly 300,000 visitors to experience unique cultural programming and historical tours.  NoMad Detroit will deliver accessible luxury experiences to Detroiters, Michigan Central’s network of startups and industry partners, and visitors while treating guests to unparalleled views across the neighboring Corktown and Southwest neighborhoods, downtown Detroit and Canada.

    “This project is one of many new locations for Hilton’s luxury brands, following announcements in Turks & Caicos, Egypt, Singapore and India,” said Kara Randall, vice president, luxury and mixed-used development, Hilton. “With our existing NoMad footprint in London and NoMad Singapore in the pipeline in Asia, we chose to announce our next NoMad project with Ford, who, like Hilton, represents iconic American companies at this quintessential crossroads for U.S. travel in the historic renovation of Michigan Central Station. This project champions Detroit, rejuvenates a historic landmark and marks Hilton’s luxury debut in Michigan, part of Hilton’s aim to serve every stay occasion in every location.”

    Detroit anchors one of the largest regional economies in the United States, with significant contributions from the automotive industry, healthcare, finance, and technology sectors. The city attracts more than 16 million visitors per year and, as a UNESCO “City of Design,” Detroit continues to be a vibrant and culturally rich destination.

    This signing is a significant addition to Hilton’s luxury portfolio worldwide, which now boasts more than 500 properties, thanks to significant growth for Hilton’s luxury brands as well as an exclusive partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Recent luxury openings include Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, Waldorf Astoria Osaka, Sax Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Signia by Hilton Amman. Hilton has nearly 100 luxury hotels under development worldwide.

    NoMad hotels participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, and the Hilton Honors mobile app.

    For additional Hilton development news, please visit Stories From Hilton | Hilton Press Center and Newsroom .

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    NoMad Hotels

    Grounded in the idea of the hotel as a great home layered with stories and animated by the collective spirit of its inhabitants, NoMad Hotels are a vision of an artfully-lived life. At the heart of each NoMad Hotel are its signature restaurants and bars, which celebrate the dynamic interplay between grand and intimate, classical and colloquial, offering festive moments of revelry alongside quiet meals that nourish the soul. Each experience reflects the season, the location, and the gracious, creative talent of the NoMad team. NoMad London, the brand’s first luxury hotel bookable under Hilton’s portfolio, takes residence in Covent Garden’s historic Bow Street Magistrates Court. As part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company, NoMad Hotels invites guests to experience a world of timeless elegance and unique character. New NoMad Hotels in Singapore and Detroit are expected to open in 2027.

    About Michigan Central

    Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of about 2,000 employees from nearly 250 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility and society. Learn more at Michigan Central.

    About Ford Motor Company

    Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 176,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at Ford Corporate Home.

    About Hilton

    Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 8,400 properties and over 1.25 million rooms, in 140 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No.1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 200 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

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