Ford shares its excitement over train station future

Ford Motor Co. Chairman Bill Ford Jr. and CEO Jim Hackett are all smiles as they prepare for their announcement on the main stage in front of the Michigan Central Train Depot on Tuesday, June 19, 2018.

Ford Motor Co. employees gather at the Michigan Central Depot as volunteers for Tuesday's announcement that Ford will redevelop the iconic Detroit structure.

Ford Motor Company chairman Bill Ford Jr. speaks about Ford's investment in the former train station. “Ford’s investment in Corktown is anything but symbolic,” he said, adding that ⁦Ford⁩ intends the train station site to be for the 21st century what Ford’s Highland Park Plant was for the 20th.

Martha Ford waves to a well-wisher before the program starts.

Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, a gubernatorial candidate, makes an appearance at the event.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, left, talks with Ford matriarch Martha Ford.

Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. gets a hug from Asia Newson, Detroit's Youngest Entrepreneur, after she introduces the chairman.

A video screen projects a blueprint drawing behind Bill Ford Jr. as he makes his remarks.

Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. addresses the crowd.

Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Hackett speaks about the company's investment, stressing that the Corktown plans won't replace Ford's plans for Dearborn.

Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett addresses the crowd.

Ilitch Holdings, Inc. President and CEO Christopher Ilitch, left, is among those in attendance.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan addresses the crowd.

The crowd watches Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan take the stage.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said the single best phone call he received as mayor was Dec. 24, 2017, when Matthew Moroun called to tell him of plans to sell the former train station to Ford.

Detroit recording artist Big Sean plays to the fans.

Rapper Big Sean, who performed briefly at the event, puts his arm around Ford Motor Company chairman Bill Ford Jr.

Detroit recording artist Big Sean plays to fans.

Ford Motor Company chairman Bill Ford Jr. shares a moment with rapper Big Sean during Ford's announcement in front of the Michigan Central Train Depot.

Detroit recording artist Big Sean, right, invited Bill Ford, Jr. onto the stage during his performance.

Detroit recording artist Big Sean plays to fans.

Martha Ford shares a laugh with her son, Bill Ford Jr., center, and Jim Hackett, Ford president and CEO.

Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett hugs Ford product environmental engineer Alessandra Carreon after she introduces the Ford executive.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder addresses the crowd.

Bill Ford Jr., center, shares a laugh with family members.

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans

From left, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett, Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr., Detroit recording artist Big Sean, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder pose in front of the train depot. XXXXDetroit recording artist Big Sean plays to fans as government officials, members of the public and VIPs, including Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman William Clay Ford, Jr., gather at the old Michigan Train Depot, Tuesday, June 19, 2018, for a party celebrating Ford's purchase of the building. (Todd McInturf, The Detroit News)2018.

Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Hackett, left, and Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. after the presentation.

Ford Motor Co. Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. greets a well-wisher.

Ford Motor Co. Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. conducts an interview with the media inside the train depot.

King Moore, 11, of Detroit takes a selfie with Ford Motor Co. Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. in the train depot.

Daniel Scheibel, 37, of New York City is reflected in a round mirror inside the train depot. He works for Red Paper Heart, the company that installed insulation in the train depot.

Michael Samhat, president of Crown Enterprises, the Moroun family real estate company that sold the train depot to the Ford Motor Co., shares a laugh with his daughter, Alliya Samhat, middle, and his wife, Nadiya Samhat, all of Grosse Pointe Shores, in the depot.

Members of the media tour the train depot.

Members of the media tour the train depot.

Members of the media tour the train depot.