The University of Michigan has celebrated progress on the construction of its new facility in Detroit.
Marking a year until the 200,000-square-foot building is set to open, the event offered guests the opportunity to tour the construction site and view a time capsule commemorating the milestone and the investment in Detroit that the project represents. The event brought together university, industry, and community leaders to highlight the partnerships shaping the Center for Innovation’s development and the opportunities it will offer—including a new Master of Urban Technology degree from the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. “Our Master of Urban Technology degree at UMCI will connect the University’s academic excellence with Detroit’s energy, creativity and innovation,” said Taubman College Dean Jonathan Massey.
UMCI Executive Director Scott Shireman also remarked, “This milestone represents more than the progress of a building. It represents the momentum behind a shared vision for what is possible when the University of Michigan, Detroit, and our partners come together.”
Sited on a four-acre lot in The District Detroit, an established mixed-use sports and entertainment hub, the University of Michigan’s new building is designed to be a gateway for innovation along Grand River Avenue. The all-electric building is expected to achieve LEED Platinum certification and features a forward-leaning massing and cut-through portal that invites public access. The first two floors will house community programs, including STEM pathways for youth and a publicly accessible café and tech gallery, while levels three through six will be dedicated to multidisciplinary graduate research.
