Trace(s) of Life at Michigan Central Station

The 12th Floor of the Michigan Central Station, previously covered with debris, has recently undergone abatement and selective demolition of loose clay tile, plaster and wood windows, just in time for this winter’s snow.  In many areas around the Station there are traces of life…demolition noises, voices, cars coming in and out of the gates... (and the building has a life of its own too!).  Having worked in this building for months now - on 85 degree days with full sun, on 40 degree days with 20 mph winds and rain, and on days below freezing - there is always something new to be noticed (or another trace of deterioration due to the changing elements).  On a handful of days, I have done a double-take into a room where I thought there was a light turned on, which is not possible in this non-electrified building.  On sunny days, some rooms light up bright orange.  Windy days, with the wind even stronger inside the building sometimes, brings an interesting characteristic to the Station that I would have never imagined when looking through photos.  And on a Michigan winter day, with worker’s boot tracks marking progress on freshly “cleaned” and snowy floors, it is a sure trace of positive efforts around the Station after years and years of neglect.