NoMad Hotels, a luxury hotel brand within the Hilton portfolio, will re-enter the US market in Detroit, following an agreement with Ford Motor Company to open a nearly 180-guest room hotel. The property will be housed within The Station at Michigan Central, a 30-acre tech and cultural hub. This is part of an ambitious effort to revitalise Detroit’s historic, once-abandoned passenger rail station.
NoMad Detroit closely follows the announcement of the brand’s Asia debut in Singapore last month, after Sydell Group and Hilton partnered together last year in a joint venture to grow the NoMad brand.
The NoMad brand was founded in 2011 and is led by CEO Andrew Zobler, an industry veteran in the lifestyle hospitality space. NoMad’s legacy in creative place making is unmistakable, with its brand becoming a namesake for the New York neighbourhood it helped revitalise. The original NoMad Hotel opened in 2012, however the property closed in March 2021, fuelled by the COVID pandemic.
“NoMad has built a reputation for developing hotels that take inspiration from the history, art, design and culture that make a place unique, and NoMad Detroit is poised to be no exception,” said Andrew Zobler, Founder & CEO, Sydell Group.
“A city steeped in history with an incredibly bright future, NoMad Detroit is part of an ambitious project that is transforming The Station at Michigan Central into a centre for commerce, innovation, community and culture. As we continue the international expansion of NoMad from the iconic London location, with plans to launch in Detroit and Singapore and more in the works, we look forward to giving travellers a chance to experience our unparalleled luxury in the most vibrant destinations.”
Expected to open in 2027, NoMad Detroit will anchor the west side of The Station and the top five floors of the building’s tower. Nearly 180 guest rooms, including 30 suites, are slated for the upper floors. Visitors will also enjoy luxury wellness facilities and additional amenities.
“NoMad has built a reputation for developing hotels that take inspiration from the history, art, design and culture that make a place unique, and NoMad Detroit is poised to be no exception,” said Andrew Zobler, Founder & CEO, Sydell Group.
Originally opened in 1913, The Station was designed by architects Warren & Wetmore and Reed & Stem, the same team behind New York’s famed Grand Central. NoMad, a globally recognised hospitality innovator, will reimagine The Station’s historic restaurant and carriage house with its signature restaurant and bar concepts.
“A year after we opened Michigan Central Station to the world, our vision to create a global innovation hub and a destination symbolising Detroit’s future is well underway,” said Bill Ford, Executive Chair, Ford Motor Company. “Together with NoMad and Hilton, we are now announcing the next phase of our ambitious vision offering visitors and the community a unique hotel destination and memorable food and beverage experiences in this iconic landmark. The new NoMad Detroit hotel will not just be a place to stay, but an energetic and exciting gathering place for years to come.”
“Michigan Central is proud to welcome the NoMad brand to Detroit, bringing world-class hospitality to one of the country’s most iconic buildings,” said Josh Sirefman, CEO, Michigan Central.
The announcement of NoMad Detroit comes nearly one year after Michigan Central and Ford celebrated The Station’s reopening last June and propels the project forward to its next phase of reactivation as a global destination. Since launching in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse innovation ecosystem with nearly 240 companies. Michigan Central and Ford opened The Station in June 2024, after a meticulous six-year restoration, as the centrepiece of the 30-acre district.
“This project is one of many new locations for Hilton’s luxury brands, following announcements in Turks & Caicos, Egypt, Singapore and India,” said Kara Randall, VP, Luxury and mixed-used development, Hilton.
“With our existing NoMad footprint in London and NoMad Singapore in the pipeline in Asia, we chose to announce our next NoMad project with Ford, who, like Hilton, represents iconic American companies at this quintessential crossroads for U.S. travel in the historic renovation of Michigan Central Station.
“This project champions Detroit, rejuvenates a historic landmark and marks Hilton’s luxury debut in Michigan, part of Hilton’s aim to serve every stay occasion in every location.”
