U-M to lease UMCI residential building

The University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit will lease a residential tower at 2205 Cass Ave., being developed by Related Companies and Olympia Development of Michigan.

The U-M Board of Regents approved the lease at a special meeting July 17. The preliminary development budget for the project is $186 million.

UMCI will be a world-class research, education and entrepreneurship center designed to advance innovation and talent-focused community development. Construction on the 200,000-gross-square-foot, six-story UMCI building began in December 2023, and is expected to be complete in 2027. A live webcam is streaming construction progress.

“UMCI is a bold venture that will fuel innovation and drive opportunity in Detroit,” said Laurie McCauley, U-M provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “When our students, faculty and visiting scholars can live, work and innovate in the heart of Detroit, we create the kind of dynamic ecosystem where transformative ideas flourish.”

With nearly 235,000 square feet, 13 floors and 313 units, the residential tower will be constructed adjacent to the UMCI building at the corner of Columbia Street and Cass Avenue. UMCI will lease the tower, expected to be completed in 2028, for an initial term of 40 years.

“The residential component added by this tower is a critical aspect of the center, as it will give our students and faculty the opportunity to immerse themselves in an innovative community, dedicated to opportunity and economic development,” said UMCI Director Scott Shireman. “Programming will take a mixed-model approach that includes both master’s degrees and workforce development programs focused on technology and innovation.”