Michigan Central Digital Master Plan
Reimagining Operations for Detroit’s Innovation District
A collaborative blueprint for connecting people, place, and technology.
Summary:
WHIM Innovation partnered with Arcadis to develop and implement the Michigan Central Digital Master Plan — a unified digital framework connecting operations, events, retail, and user experience across Detroit’s emerging innovation district. The result: streamlined operations, consistent digital experiences, and a scalable foundation for future growth.
The Challenge
When Michigan Central set out to transform its historic campus into a global innovation district, it needed more than great architecture — it needed a digital foundation that could connect every experience.
Dozens of systems powered its operations — from facilities and events to retail and marketing — but they worked in silos. Michigan Central needed a digital master plan to unify systems, streamline operations, and elevate the tenant and visitor experience.
Our Approach
Partnering with Arcadis, WHIM Innovation led the strategy design and framework for Michigan Central’s digital master plan — building best-practice recommendations across internal operations, events, retail, and digital experience.
Our process included:
- Needs assessment workshops across all departments
- Technology audits and future-state design
- Digital Master Plan Framework connecting business operations to user experience
Each recommendation aligned with Michigan Central’s vision to become the leading innovation hub in North America — where smart systems empower collaboration, sustainability, and scale.
Implementation Highlights
After defining the strategy, WHIM led Phase 2 Implementation — turning digital strategy into operational reality.
Enterprise Service Management platform to unify internal requests and operations
Marketing and Events systems to streamline programming and cross-team visibility
Retail E-commerce enablement to support digital and on-site transactions
Ongoing system integration and governance framework
Impact
| Outcome | Result |
| Unified Operations | Streamlined service management and event coordination |
| Digital Experience | Consistent UX across retail, events, and tenant platforms |
| Innovation Infrastructure | Ready for district-wide expansion and new programs |
| Strategic Partnership | Seamless delivery between WHIM, Arcadis & Michigan Central |
TESTIMONIAL
“Our partnership with WHIM and Arcadis helped us turn a vision for connectivity into a living digital ecosystem.”
— Michigan Central Leadership Team
The Blueprint for Future Districts
The Michigan Central Digital Master Plan stands as a model for how digital systems can drive place-based innovation.
By bridging strategy and execution, WHIM helped establish an operational framework that turns Detroit’s innovation district into a global benchmark for connected ecosystems.
“We believe the future of innovation districts begins with digital clarity — systems that help people move, create, and collaborate without friction.”
— Lori McColl, CEO, WHIM Innovation
At a Glance
Client: Michigan Central
Partners: Arcadis
Services: Digital Strategy, Technology Architecture, Enterprise Service Management, E-Commerce Enablement
Location: Detroit, MI
Timeline: 2023–2024
Focus Areas: Operations, Events, Retail, Digital Experience
Let’s Build
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