Luxury NoMad Hotel to Open in Detroit’s Michigan Central Station

News Summary

Detroit is set to welcome a new luxury NoMad hotel atop the revamped Michigan Central Station by 2027. The hotel will feature nearly 180 rooms, dining options, and is part of a broader initiative by Ford to revitalize the Corktown area. The project aims to create job opportunities and enhance the local community while providing a unique blend of luxury accommodations. This will mark the first use of the station’s upper floors since its closure in 1988, reflecting a commitment to restoring Detroit’s vibrancy.

Detroit is poised to welcome a luxury NoMad hotel that will take residence in the top five floors of the newly redeveloped Michigan Central Station. This upscale destination is anticipated to open its doors in 2027, featuring nearly 180 guest rooms, including 30 luxurious suites. The Michigan Central nonprofit, led by CEO Josh Sirefman, is overseeing the transformation of the 30-acre campus by Ford Motor Co. in Corktown, which aims to revitalize the region and attract visitors.

The hotel will offer at least two dining options, one of which will be housed in a restored carriage house on the station’s western side. This restaurant space is planned to be enclosed in glass, creating an inviting ambiance for both hotel guests and local residents. The NoMad team, in collaboration with Michigan Central and Ford, is dedicated to enhancing Detroit’s culinary landscape, although specific rates for accommodations have not yet been finalized.

While exact employment figures remain undisclosed, the hotel construction is expected to yield several hundred job opportunities in areas related to both the hotel and its dining establishments. The decision to host a NoMad hotel follows a competitive selection process in which 16 finalists were considered to operate within the historic station, originally opened in 1913 and shuttered in 1988.

The Michigan Central Station underwent a significant renovation that culminated in its reopening in June 2024. Since then, it has attracted approximately 300,000 visitors. The station’s revitalization is part of a larger initiative by Ford, which purchased the landmark for $90 million in 2018, utilizing six years to rehabilitate the space into a campus designed for autonomous and electric vehicles. As part of the project, Ford also renovated a former Detroit Public Schools book depository to create Newlab.

Additionally, Hilton recently acquired a controlling stake in Sydell Hotels & Resorts LLC to accelerate the growth of the NoMad brand, which is set to include up to 50 locations worldwide. The NoMad brand, established in 2011 and inspired by the New York City neighborhood of Madison Square North, seeks to compete with other luxury hotel brands such as Marriott’s Edition, which is also making strides in Detroit.

In Detroit, Hilton’s presence has been marked by the opening of the Godfrey Hotel in Corktown, as well as existing locations like the Hilton Garden Inn on Gratiot Avenue and the DoubleTree Suites on Fort Street. As the city experiences an influx of hospitality developments, NoMad Detroit aims to carve its niche by bringing a unique blend of luxury and community-centric experience.

Andrew Zobler, the CEO of Sydell Group, has indicated that NoMad Detroit will draw from the area’s rich history, distinct culture, and unique design features to create a hotel that resonates with both visitors and locals. This venture marks a significant milestone in the station’s history, as it will be the first time its upper floors are utilized since the building’s closure.

Furthermore, Michigan Central Station is strategically filling its 18 stories with various daytime tenants, including Google Code Next and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan. Light retail spaces have opened on the main floor, with establishments like Yellow Light Coffee & Donuts and Neighbor X Folk, a shop showcasing local gifts and home goods.

As construction for the NoMad Hotel is set to commence later this year, it reflects an ongoing commitment to restoring the vibrancy of Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood while providing a luxurious experience that remains within reach. With plans for the restaurant and wellness facilities to cater not only to hotel guests but also to community members, the NoMad Hotel aims to foster a lively environment encouraging creativity and engagement among its diverse clientele.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Detroit Free Press
• Google Search: Michigan Central Station
• WXYZ
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Detroit
• Detroit News
• Google News: NoMad hotel Detroit