University of Michigan Breaks Ground on $250 Million Innovation Center in Detroit

The University of Michigan (UM) has received the green light for the construction of a cutting-edge six-story building in Detroit, marking the first phase of the ambitious $250 million UM Center for Innovation project. The UM Board of Regents approved both the schematic design and the construction commencement on Thursday, setting the stage for a significant boost in the city’s educational and economic landscape. The groundbreaking initiative, which will unfold at the bustling intersection of Grand River Avenue and West Columbia Street, aims to erect a 200,000 square-foot facility by spring 2027. This pioneering structure is designed to be a beacon of workforce development, offering an array of educational programs aimed at both individuals and corporations. The goal is to cultivate a skilled talent pool that will be instrumental in attracting and retaining high-tech companies in the region. By fostering innovation and focusing on talent-driven community development, the UM Center for Innovation in Detroit (UMCI) seeks to spur job creation across the city, region, and state. UMCI is envisioned as a hub of excellence that merges the University of Michigan’s premier resources to stimulate economic growth in Detroit. The center will host a diverse range of academic offerings, including interdisciplinary...