Michigan Central Railroad Depot, 1886

This 1886 depot, built for the Michigan Central Railroad in grand Richardsonian Romanesque style, was the gateway to Ann Arbor at a time when trains were the major means of intercity travel. The central building had ornate waiting rooms, an elaborate ticket booth, coffered wood ceilings, stained glass windows, and a large terra-cotta fireplace. Packages were shipped from the express office on the west. Trunks and other luggage were checked and retrieved at a baggage building on the east. A long track side roof sheltered passengers and connected the three buildings. East of the station, a garden with a fountain greeted visitors.

In 1969 the station was sold and the main building converted to the Gandy Dancer restaurant. The former express office served as the depot until a new Amtrak station was built west of the bridge.

Frame location: on Broadway Bridge

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