Here is Michigan Central Station – one of the greatest urban ruins in the entire country. This structure is amazing in countless ways. Built in 1913, at a cost of $15 million, no detail or expense was spared in its construction. The workmanship is unlike anything made today, from the plaster work inside to the solid marble walls on almost every floor. MCS was designed by the same firm who designed Grand Central Station in NYC. This building has been a personal photo project of mine (see more of MCS) and you’ll see it make more than a few appearances on Lens Artwork.

Unfortunately, both natural and unnatural elements have taken their toll on this incredible building for the better part of two decades. Yet, there is still a haunting beauty about this place that gets magnified at night. Most of the time, the street lights around the station aren’t in use. But this night, one of Detroit’s signature blue-green streetlamps illuminated the front of the station, revealing details usually hidden in the darkness: the chain link and razor wire fence surrounding the perimeter, adding to the city reflections in what’s left of the front glass, the different color stones used in the construction of the main lobby and tower, the steam rising into the chilly night air from Zug Island, and the words “save the depot” added to the top by the MCS conservation group dedicated to preserving this storied structure. Ironically, at the same time, the light also seems to deepen the foreboding darkness emanating from the inside.

Whether you’re approaching Detroit from the suburbs or from Canada, this 18 story monument is plainly visible for miles in any direction. It stands alone outside the clutter of buildings that make up the downtown area, a reminder to all that pass of what Detroit used to be and a physical representation of the decline that the city has seen. Yet even in its decayed state, MCS has the power to captivate your attention. You cannot help but stare at this marvel and wonder just how could things have gone so wrong for this once great building and the city that it sits in.

Now you can enjoy its powerful beauty for yourself. Offered in 14×10 size for $395. Please see ordering prints for further information.

Prints for Sale, Urban Decay