[FONT=Verdana]The Michigan Central Depot -- a 17-story hulking reminder of Detroit's past grandeur and present failures -- could be approaching its end.

The city council has passed a resolution seeking emergency demolition of the mostly hollowed-out building just outside the shadow of downtown, while Mayor Ken Cockrel Jr. has made it clear that he wants federal stimulus money to bring it to rubble.

Both want to force the long-closed train station's owner, Manuel (Matty) Moroun, to pay the city back. Moroun also owns the Ambassador Bridge, which is operated by his Detroit International Bridge Co.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Verdana]The nearly 100-year-old building dominates Detroit's southwest skyline and in its heyday had been considered one of the city's most stately structures.

Built in 1913, the station was designed by the same architects responsible for New York's Grand Central Terminal. It served thousands of travelers each year, but its demise was set as rail service in Detroit began to fall off.

The building was sold in 1985, with passenger carrier Amtrak pulling out three years later.

Hundreds of pane-less windows have left the depot open to the elements, birds and four-legged varmints. Fencing, barbed wire and warning signs remind urban adventurers and other upright walking trespassers to keep out.[/FONT]