Ferndale experiential marketing agency Activate Inc. is moving from its current location to the former GFL Environmental Recycling building at 414 E. Hudson Ave. in Royal Oak. The move is expected to occur in the first half of 2027.
Activate’s takeover of the 75,000-square-foot site will include a full environmental rehabilitation of the site. The offices, located south of downtown Royal Oak, will provide space for production, creative, and operational needs, along with additional space for fabrication equipment and storage as well as an outdoor seating area.
“As Activate has grown, it became clear that it was time to find a permanent home that we could truly make our own,” says Kirsten Craig, CEO of Activate Inc. “There is nowhere we’d rather be than Royal Oak. The walkability, the community, and the culture make it a perfect place to anchor our business of creating unforgettable experiences for brands.”
Craig, a Michigan native, started the business in 2013 amid the Detroit bankruptcy.
“We’ve grown alongside Detroit and are proud to introduce executives and brands from across the country to a city they might not otherwise visit,” he says. “Moving to Royal Oak will allow us to showcase the talent, creativity, and energy that make Detroit unique.”
Activate represents global brands such as Coach, IKEA, and Delta as well as the Detroit Lions.
“We can’t wait to get out in the neighborhood. Between client entertaining, team lunches, and brainstorm sessions, we plan to take full advantage of the Royal Oak scene,” says Craig. “This is our permanent home. As we continue to grow, we hope to become a staple of the community.”
