Ford's train station purchase spikes Corktown hope, prices

DETROIT (WJBK) - Ford is moving in to the old Michigan Central Station, an announcement that has Corktown buzzing.

Already, prices are skyrocketing for nearby lots, and existing businesses hope Ford's blue oval will bring big bucks to their neighborhood. A vacant piece of Detroit property was recently listed for $2 million, all because Ford decided to breathe new life to an old part of Detroit's history. 

"Hearing Ford, I felt like it was one of the largest announcements in our city in a good way," said Stephen McGee, a Corktown resident since 2009.

McGee moved his family to Corktown in 2009. A new fence, some new paint; he saw the potential but admits back then it was hard to convince others of his vision. 

"It was impossible for people to come around the corner and see what we were doing in front of the train station because no one would care," he said.

Now the blue oval of Ford is doing the talking for him, which is just fine for McGee, provided whomever comes with them is willing to keep investing in what he has called home for years. 

"There could be better things for kids, families to do. If they really want to attract the talent from the coasts, we have to be a family centric city," he said.

The potential doesn't stop with the $2 million for sale sign. Other properties are listed as well; other lots sit vacant. 

McGee is confident about what drew him here in the first place.

"You name it, it happens in front of the train station," he said. "It drew people from all over the world and we were some of those people."

As for what Ford is planning to do with the train station, we should know more about that next Tuesday.