The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor today announced it has closed on a $9.5 million purchase of land at 2201 W. Grand River Ave. from MGM Grand Detroit.
The parcel is located across the street from the U-M Center for Innovation now under construction, and is expected to support the center’s future needs.
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, U-M states.
Designs for the parking structure are in the 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 W. Columbia Street for the university to construct the UMCI.
At a future date, Olympia Development of Michigan is planning to develop two additional buildings on the block where UMCI is being constructed by the university — an incubator space and a residential building.
Construction began nearly a year ago on the 200,000-gross-square-foot, six-story UMCI building. Follow the progress via a live webcam here.
UMCI is designed to be a “world-class” research, education, and entrepreneurship center with the mission to advance innovation and talent-focused community development to propel city, region, and statewide job creation by stimulating economic development in Detroit.
Programming at the innovation center is expected to offer a mixed-model approach that includes both master’s degrees and workforce development programs that will focus on technology and innovation.
The overall $250-million-plus development marks the school’s largest investment in Detroit since the university was founded in the city in 1817, before moving to Ann Arbor in 1837.
The lower floors of the UMCI building that fronts along Grand River Avenue will contain public-facing programs, a café, and shared office space for the U-M Detroit Center, Admissions Office, School of Environment and Sustainability Clinic, and others, while levels three through six are planned for multidisciplinary graduate research.
Included within the building is shelled (open) space that will provide flexibility and expansion opportunities in the future.
For more information about UMCI, visit here.
