The University of Michigan closed on a $9.5 million purchase of land at 2201 W. Grand River Ave. from MGM Grand Detroit.
The parcel, strategically located across the street from the U-M Center for Innovation, is expected to support the center’s future needs.
UMCI WEBCAM
Part of the nearly 2.3-acre parcel will be used for a parking structure. The acquisition of the property rendered other property under consideration in the area unnecessary.
Designs for the parking structure are in preliminary stages and will accommodate needs for the UMCI, including the potential for retail options on the first floor.
In December 2023, Olympia Development of Michigan donated 2.1 acres at Grand River Avenue and West Columbia Street for the university to construct the UMCI.
At a future date, Olympia Development of Michigan and Related Companies are planning to develop two additional buildings — an incubator space and a residential building — on the block where the university is building the UMCI.
Construction began nearly a year ago on the 200,000-gross-square-foot, six-story UMCI building.
UMCI will be a world-class research, education and entrepreneurship center designed to advance innovation and talent-focused community development to propel city, region and statewide job creation and inclusive economic growth by stimulating economic development in Detroit.
Programming at the innovation center will offer a mixed-model approach that includes both master’s degrees and workforce development programs that will focus on technology and innovation.
Knute Nadelhoffer
What are the plans for aligning the UMCI building and anticipated program operations with U-Ms overall carbon neutrality/sustainability goals as described in Presidents Commission on Carbon Neutrality? This is the most recent of updates on plans for the Detroit UMCI, none of which have, to my knowledge, have mentioned carbon neutrality as a design goal. Is there an innovative and visible plan for incorporating carbon neutrality and sustainability into the design and operations of the UMCI?
Knute Nadelhoffer
I dug deeper into the Sustainability Plans at the UMCI website and am pleased to read that “When the University implements its planned 100% renewable power-purchase agreement the project will be carbon neutral.” Wonderful! This information, however, should be up front and featured in public announcements and updates about the status of the UMCI’s development.
More details are here:
https://umaec.umich.edu/ProjectSustainability/sustainabilityP00021068.pdf