New Center One
New Center One, officially known as Ally Detroit Center, stands as the tallest office building in Michigan, reaching a height of 619 feet with 43 stories[1]. Located at 500 Woodward Avenue, it is a prominent feature of the New Center area, a district originally developed in the 1920s to bridge the gap between downtown Detroit and the city’s manufacturing centers. The building’s history reflects the evolving economic landscape of Detroit, from its initial construction as the Comerica Tower to its current role as the headquarters for Ally Financial Services. Its architectural design, a blend of neo-gothic spires and modern granite, marks it as a significant example of post-modern architecture within the city.
History
The origins of New Center itself are rooted in the need for a more accessible business district in the 1920s[2]. The area was strategically planned to provide convenient access for businesses needing connections to both downtown Detroit’s resources and the factories located in the surrounding areas. This accessibility was intended to foster economic growth and streamline operations for companies operating in the region. The New Center Area Historic District, as it is now known, quickly became a hub for commerce and development.
Construction of One Detroit Center began in 1991 and was completed in 1993[3]. Initially known as Comerica Tower at Detroit Center, the building served as the headquarters for Comerica Bank until 2007, when the company relocated its headquarters to Dallas, Texas. Comerica continued to occupy space in the building until 2012, when they moved their remaining Michigan employees to the Comerica Bank Center on Lafayette Boulevard. In March 2015, the building was purchased by Dan Gilbert’s Bedrock Real Estate Services for over $100 million.
Geography
One Detroit Center is situated at 500 Woodward Avenue, placing it firmly within the New Center area of Detroit[4]. This location is central to the city’s business and financial district, providing easy access to major thoroughfares and transportation routes. The building’s position allows for visibility throughout the surrounding area and contributes to the distinctive skyline of Detroit. It is located near other significant landmarks in New Center, such as the Fisher Building and Cadillac Place.
The building’s height of 619 feet makes it the tallest office building in Michigan and the second tallest overall structure in the state, surpassed only by the central hotel tower of the Renaissance Center[5]. While the Penobscot Building has a greater number of stories, One Detroit Center’s taller floor heights result in a greater overall height. The building’s design incorporates modern granite and neo-gothic spires, creating a unique architectural profile.
Culture
The New Center area, and by extension One Detroit Center, represents a significant chapter in Detroit’s urban development[6]. Originally conceived as a business hub to connect the city center with industrial areas, it fostered a sense of economic activity and innovation. The architectural styles present in New Center, including the post-modern design of One Detroit Center, reflect the changing aesthetic preferences and technological advancements of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The relocation of Ally Financial Services to One Detroit Center in 2016, bringing 1,300 employees from the suburbs and the Renaissance Center, signaled a renewed investment in the area and a commitment to Detroit’s revitalization[7]. Ally’s $50 million investment in renovating 13 floors of the building further demonstrated this commitment and contributed to the ongoing transformation of New Center into a vibrant and modern business district. The building’s presence contributes to the cultural landscape of the city, representing a blend of historical significance and contemporary business activity.
Economy
The initial development of New Center in the 1920s was directly tied to the economic needs of Detroit’s growing industrial base[8]. The area was designed to facilitate commerce between downtown businesses and the factories located throughout the region, streamlining operations and promoting economic efficiency. This focus on accessibility and connectivity continues to be a defining characteristic of the area.
Today, One Detroit Center serves as a major economic driver for the city, housing the headquarters of Ally Financial Services and providing office space for other businesses[9]. The building’s purchase by Bedrock Real Estate Services and the subsequent investment by Ally Financial Services have further solidified its economic importance. The presence of a major financial institution like Ally contributes to the financial sector’s growth within Detroit and attracts further investment in the surrounding area. The building’s location within a designated historic district also encourages preservation and sustainable development, contributing to the long-term economic health of the community.
Getting There
One Detroit Center’s location on Woodward Avenue provides convenient access to various modes of transportation[10]. Woodward Avenue is a major thoroughfare that connects New Center to downtown Detroit and the surrounding suburbs. Public transportation options, including bus routes, are readily available in the area, providing access for commuters and visitors.
The building is also accessible by car, with parking facilities available nearby. Its central location within the New Center area makes it easily reachable from various points within the city and the metropolitan area. The proximity to major highways further enhances its accessibility, allowing for convenient travel from outside of Detroit.