Mike Ilitch School of Business

Expanding academic opportunities for the business school’s 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students while strengthening ties to Detroit’s dynamic business community were key goals for this project. Located in the heart of District Detroit, surrounded by major employers, entertainment venues, and cultural institutions, this vibrant, flexible learning environment fosters innovation, connects students to real-world opportunities, and elevates the University’s presence in the city.

The new building features modern classrooms, research and office spaces, a two-story atrium, and a variety of community gathering areas. Highlights include a 250-seat auditorium, finance lab with Bloomberg terminals, and a fourth-floor terrace overlooking Woodward Avenue. The transparent glass façade showcases student activity and glows as a beacon for higher learning at night, while custom limestone paneling grounds the building in its urban setting. Careful stakeholder engagement and creative construction solutions—such as installing a temporary roof to accelerate interior work—helped ensure the project met schedule, budget, and quality goals. The result is a landmark facility that blends academic excellence with Detroit’s entrepreneurial spirit.