Could the new jail site be near Michigan Central Station?

Well, it’s an idea.

Detroit News columnist Nolan Finley is suggesting that yes, there have been discussions and rumors lately that a new jail site could move to the rail lines behind the old Michigan Central Station, and courts could move inside the aging ruin.

"I can’t say for sure how serious the idea is. But I heard the same thing from several people last week: Discussions are underway with the county, city of Detroit and Matty Moroun, the billionaire owner of the Central Depot, as well as the rail companies that own part of the site, to replace the partially completed jail on Gratiot in downtown Detroit with a new facility behind Central Depot."

It would make sense for many of the major players in town, including Dan Gilbert, who would like the old jail site for a new soccer stadium. Although the county did hire a consultant to try and get the fail jail site finished, many can’t believe it could still move forward. Gilbert and many others believe that land is prime property and could be used for a stadium, or anything that could make money.

What do you think, Curbed readers? Will anything ever happen with Michigan Central? And what does the Corktown neighborhood think of this idea?

• Finley: Move jail, courts to Mich. Central Depot site? [Detroit News]
• County Hires Consultant for Unfinished Jail [Curbed Detroit]
• This is What Major League Soccer in Detroit Could Look Like [Curbed Detroit]