The Grand Trunk Western Railroad Birmingham Depot, located at 245 South Eton Street in Birmingham, Michigan, has a rich history of significant transformations.
Early 20th Century Developments 1920s
Due to increased population and automobile traffic, Woodward Avenue required widening. This necessitated the relocation of the Grand Trunk rail lines, which originally ran alongside Woodward Avenue. The tracks were moved approximately one mile eastward to accommodate the expansion.
1926-1930
The Grand Trunk Western Railroad constructed a new line from Detroit to Pontiac. In October 1930, the Birmingham depot was built by the Detroit firm Walbridge and Aldinger. The project was completed by mid-1931, and the depot building opened.
Mid to Late 20th Century Changes 1978
The railway vacated the Birmingham depot.
1979
A private owner purchased the building.
1984
Norman and Bonnie LePage restored the depot and converted it into a restaurant named Norman's Eton Street Station.
1997
Norman's Eton Street Station was rebranded as Big Rock Chophouse, continuing operations until its closure at the end of 2021.
Recent Developments 2024
In partnership with Tom Celani and Dario Bergamo, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) acquired the historic building and initiated renovations to transform it into Big Rock Italian Chophouse & The Rock Cigar Club, opening summer 2025.
Throughout its history, the Birmingham Depot has exemplified adaptability, evolving from a bustling train station to a cherished dining establishment, and now poised for a new chapter under CMR’s vision.