Michigan Central in Detroit today announced NoMad Hotels, a luxury brand of the Hilton hotel chain, will occupy the top five floors and the west side of the main level of the renovated train station starting in 2027.
NoMad Detroit will offer nearly 180 guestrooms, including 30 suites, on the upper floors, marking the first time in the building’s history that floors 14-18 will be occupied. Visitors also will have access to luxury wellness facilities and additional amenities.
Originally opened in 1913 by Michigan Central Railroad, the company never occupied the upper floors of the Beaux-Arts structure.
NoMad is expected to reimagine The Station’s historic restaurant and carriage house on the west end of the main level with its signature restaurant and bar concepts.
The interior design will celebrate the work of Detroit artists and makers throughout public and guest spaces, continuing NoMad’s tradition of working with local collaborators.
“NoMad has built a reputation for developing hotels that take inspiration from the history, art, design, and culture that make a place unique, and NoMad Detroit is poised to be no exception,” says Andrew Zobler, founder and CEO of Sydell Group, Hilton’s NoMad partner.
“A city steeped in history (oldest in the Midwest) with an incredibly bright future, NoMad Detroit is part of an ambitious project that is transforming The Station at Michigan Central into a center for commerce, innovation, community, and culture.”
Bill Ford, executive chair of Ford Motor Co., says, “A year after we opened Michigan Central Station to the world, our vision to create a global innovation hub and a destination symbolizing Detroit’s future is well underway.
“Together with NoMad and Hilton, we are now announcing the next phase of our ambitious vision offering visitors and the community a unique hotel destination and memorable food and beverage experiences in this iconic landmark.”
The Station’s more than 110-year history will ground the hotel’s design, according to officials. Restorations of historic architectural details are important, not just to the aesthetic of the hotel, but to make sure that each guest’s stay helps them connect to their environment.
NoMad states its renovation of the space will connect the history of Michigan Central Station and the city of Detroit, and the design will be a collaboration with local artists and makers.
“NoMad’s track record of thoughtfully integrating into culturally significant places and for creating spaces that celebrate local character made them a natural fit,” says Josh Sirefman, CEO of Michigan Central. “This partnership is a continuation of our work of turning The Station at Michigan Central into a global destination that serves residents and attracts visitors as well as inspiring entrepreneurs, industry, and creatives.”
The announcement of NoMad Detroit comes nearly one year after Michigan Central and Ford celebrated The Station’s reopening last June following a nearly $1-billion, six-year renovations with musical appearances by Diana Ross, Eminem, Jelly Roll, and more.
“This project is one of many new locations for Hilton’s luxury brands, following announcements in Turks & Caicos, Egypt, Singapore, and India,” says Kara Randall, vice president, luxury and mixed-used development at Hilton. “This project champions Detroit, rejuvenates a historic landmark, and marks Hilton’s luxury debut in Michigan.”
Since launching in April 2023, Michigan Central, the centerpiece of a 30-acre district, has grown into a diverse innovation ecosystem with nearly 240 companies, with many operating from Newlab Detroit in the former Book Depository Building just east of The Station.
Today, The Station is home to multinational corporations and small businesses as tenants and has welcomed nearly 300,000 visitors to experience cultural programming and historical tours.
