Big Sean, Usher celebrate opening of new Boys and Girls Club inside Michigan Central

February 4, 2026

Michigan Central train station in Detroit, which was abandoned and deteriorating in the 2000s, has been renovated and now houses a new Boys and Girls Club facility on its fifth floor. The 13,000-square-foot space features an entertainment innovation incubator funded by a $1 million investment from Big Sean's Sean Anderson Foundation and Usher's New Look organization, along with an autonomous training center and innovation lab. The facility aims to prepare young people aged 14-24 for careers in entertainment, technology, mobility, and advanced manufacturing through hands-on access to professional-grade equipment and direct pathways to jobs.

Who is affected

Young people ages 14-24 who will use the entertainment innovation incubator
Youth ages 6-18 served by the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan (approximately 7,500 individuals)
Children and teens in neighborhood Boys and Girls Clubs across metro Detroit
Young artists like Shawn W., a 21-year-old Detroit artist who plans to use the facility for his creative projects
Workers and creatives inside Michigan Central who will mentor the youth

What action is being taken

Michigan Central and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Detroit are operating the newly opened facility on the fifth floor of Michigan Central
The innovation incubator is delivering advanced programming focused on careers in film, television, music production, immersive technologies, and special effects
The facility is directly connecting youth to emerging industries through the autonomous training center and innovation lab
Ilitch Sports + Entertainment is partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan

Why it matters

This facility provides Detroit youth with access to state-of-the-art technology and professional equipment they wouldn't otherwise have, creating direct pathways to future careers in entertainment and technology industries. It represents a significant investment in keeping creative and professional opportunities within Detroit rather than requiring young people to leave the city to pursue their ambitions. The initiative builds on Detroit's historic legacy of innovation (from Henry Ford to Motown) while preparing the next generation for emerging industries, creating an ecosystem where youth can learn, develop skills, and transition directly into jobs within their own community.

What's next

Big Sean stated he plans to shoot music videos in the facility and have young adults from the program help him with those projects. Shawn W. hopes to eventually have an art show at one of the galleries in Detroit after utilizing the new space for his creative work.

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com