| Other Names |
Gandy Dancer
|
| Property Type |
railroad depot
|
| Historic Use |
TRANSPORTATION
|
| Current Use |
COMMERCE/TRADE/business
|
| Style |
Romanesque
|
| Architect/Builder |
Spier and Rohns
|
| Narrative Description |
The Michigan Central Railroad Depot is a massive, two-and-one-half story rectangular Richardsonian Romanesque structure. Walls of variegated stone are topped by a gable-on-hip-roof broken by various parapeted cross-gables and eyelid dormers. One end of the building features cross-gables and a hip-roofed square tower. The entrance facade includes a central, projecting gabled bay with a large horseshoe shaped doorway. Two similarly designed but smaller outbuildings are located nearby.
|
| Statement of Significance |
The Ann Arbor Michigan Central Depot was the most important passenger station for the Michigan Central Railroad along the route connecting Detroit and Chicago. Constructed in 1886 from plans by one of Detroit's premier architectural firms, Spier and Rohns, the depot was considered to be the Michigan Central's finest station between Buffalo and Chicago. Currently a restaurant named the Gandy Dancer, the building has undergone few alterations and is well maintained.
|
| Marker Name |
Michigan Central Railroad Depot
|
| Marker Text |
MICHIGAN CENTRAL RAILROAD DEPOT
Built in 1886, and conceived by Frederick Spier, the design of this granite block building was influenced by the great American architect Henry Hobson Richardson. The massive arch and two-foot thick walls are balanced by the simple, precise detailing. Carefully preserved, this depot is a symbol of the elegance and vitality of nineteenth century rail transportation.
|
| Period of Significance |
1866-1900
|
| Significant Date(s) |
1886
|
| Registry Type(s) |
1975 Marker erected
03/10/1975 National Register listed
07/26/1974 State Register listed
|
| Site ID# |
P3795
|
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