DETROIT — So long suburbs, Global Telecom Solutions relocated its company headquarters from St. Clair Shores to the former Archdiocese of Detroit print shop in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood.
With a sustained annual revenue increase of 25 percent and growth in its client and partner base, more office space was a must. While GTS originally planned on leasing, the rental scene prompted the company toward purchase of 1501 Sixth Street.
“For what we saw in rental prices at 3,000 square feet, we could purchase this building with minor repairs and come out at an advantage from a budget standpoint,” GTS CEO Mark Stackpoole said. “Not to mention being directly involved in Detroit’s urban renewal and the environmentally sound practice of repurposing fit buildings were additional incentives.”
GTS Direct is wasting no time getting settled into their new neighborhood. Already involved in numerous area charitable organizations such as Volunteers of America, Youthville, City Year, Alternatives for Girls, Racquet Up Detroit, Friends of Belle Isle, Legal Aid and Defenders, Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Centers, Camp Casey, Clark Park Coalition and Gleaners Food Bank, the company hosted a unique graffiti competition.
Derek Weaver, principal of the 4731 Group, was contracted to renovate the new home of GTS, which had not seen renovations in more than 30 years. Weaver’s firm, which also runs the nonprofit project, Grand River Creative Corridor, organized a dozen artists to give the building a vibrant, artistic makeover. More than two dozen murals found throughout the office space were created by local artists including: Sintex, FEL3000ft, TEAD and fine artists Sydney James and Christopher Batten.
“Our building was essentially a blank canvas and these murals paint a dynamic vibe that blends well with our company values, especially offering employees an engaging and energetic place to work as well as supporting and giving back to our community,” Stackpoole explained.
