Bedrock Unveils Plans for a Technology, Entrepreneurship and Life Sciences District in the Heart of Downtown Detroit

At the center of the 4-mile Detroit Innovation Corridor, Bedrock's vision for the phased development of a 14-acre Gratiot Site would be a destination for global leaders in precision medicine, life science, higher education, and the Detroit community to learn, build and collaborate.

Building on more than a decade of Bedrock Founder and Chairman Dan Gilbert's investments in Detroit, Bedrock's vision would usher in a new era of growth at the Gratiot Site - a sharp contrast to its former use as a jail complex.

Dec. 17, 2024 - Bedrock today has announced plans for the phased development of a dynamic14-acre district in downtown Detroit that would focus on fostering innovation in life sciences, technology and entrepreneurship. In partnership with top organizations such as BAMF Health, Michigan Innovation Headquarters (MI-HQ), Ferris State University, as well as Wayne State University and its TechTown Detroit entrepreneurship hub, among others to be determined as development proceeds, the district aims to become a premier hub for advancing precision technology, personalized medicine and bio-tech, while offering comprehensive education and talent development opportunities.

Grounded in Detroit's rich history and future potential, the Gratiot Site development would be central to the city's expanding innovation landscape. At its core will be a 220,000 square foot Life Science Innovation Building. The first-of-its-kind in the country and incorporating the world's most advanced and comprehensive theranostics platform and treatment center, this groundbreaking research and outpatient facility will pioneer new medical treatment methods from BAMF Health.

"Having access to top educational institutions, a diverse talent pool and fostering cross-industry collaboration in close proximity to major markets has made this visionary project possible," said Kofi Bonner, chief executive officer at Bedrock. "Bedrock's plan for this transformative district will not only bring renowned expertise to Detroit but expand the city's knowledge economy and benefit the community for generations to come."

A Burgeoning Innovation District

A diverse array of stakeholders will provide a comprehensive suite of programs and services aimed at nurturing startups, providing ongoing training to local talent and attracting international investment. This collaboration is poised to create a vibrant ecosystem that supports innovation, drives economic growth, and positions Detroit as a leading player in the knowledge and life sciences sectors.

"From the very beginning, we were determined to deliver BAMF's advanced, life-saving technology to the people of Detroit and southeast Michigan, and soon that vision will come to life," said BAMF Health Founder and CEO Anthony Chang, PhD. "The Gratiot Site allows us to honor the rich medical history of this campus and positions us as a vital platform for the entire state of Michigan and as a global destination for innovative care."

Bedrock has convened a group of stakeholders with unparalleled expertise to join the Life Science Innovation Building, including:

• BAMF Health: BAMF will occupy 45,000 square feet, including a radiopharmacy, molecular imaging clinic and molecular therapy clinic using precision medicine technology to detect and treat cancer and other diseases and conduct advanced novel radiopharmaceutical clinical trials.
• Ferris State University: Expanding from its main campus in Big Rapids, Ferris State University will partner with BAMF Health to provide training in growing fields of precision medicine and to expand K-12 STEM opportunities.
• MI-HQ: Michigan Innovation Headquarters will serve as an essential development and financial partner on the project and operate almost 150,000 square feet of wet lab space, bringing much-needed and critical infrastructure to Detroit, including a full suite of turn-key business support services and advanced equipment to help scale life science and technology startups. As part of their "start-up factory" model, the MI-HQ Enterprise and Cantilever Investors will also introduce early stage, bio venture funding and talent through a network of like-minded investors.
• Wayne State University and TechTown: As a top-rated public research university in the heart of Detroit, Wayne State has built a successful 20-year track record of incubating small businesses through its TechTown entrepreneurship hub. The university and TechTown will develop a robust and complementary suite of programs to attract, incubate, retain and scale Detroit startups based at the Life Science Innovation Building. A major workforce pipeline for our region, Wayne State will also explore partnership opportunities through its research enterprise and College to Career initiatives to nurture expanded, contemporary career opportunities in life and health sciences, and more.

Together, the collaboration between these industry leaders will provide opportunities for Detroiters and visitors alike to scale businesses, enter new career pathways, receive premier outpatient cancer treatment and participate in a thriving and accessible innovation ecosystem.

A Vision Realized

Drawing on the historical significance of the area, the Gratiot Site redevelopment marks a strategic shift from its previous use as the stalled Wayne County Criminal Justice Center complex.

In a joint effort to optimize the entry point to downtown Detroit - once home to the bustling Black Bottom entrepreneurial corridor - Bedrock and Wayne County agreed to an unprecedented land swap deal which gave Bedrock ownership of 14-acres of land, inclusive of the now vacant Wayne County facilities. This has allowed for the transformation of the site into an exciting innovation hub that honors Detroit's entrepreneurial heritage while propelling the city into a new era of growth.

"Dan Gilbert always envisioned the Gratiot Site as the gateway to downtown Detroit," Bonner continued. "He understood that the site commanded a forward-thinking development, one that accommodated the community, fostered innovation and attracted talent. Our plans for the Gratiot Site campus would do just that, projecting Detroit into a new chapter of growth."

Bedrock's vision for the Gratiot Site would converge the city's growing innovation community and strong academic anchors, fuel new international investment, unlock the resources needed to grow new sector strengths, and drive Detroit towards achieving greater innovation capacity, leading to higher-paying jobs for its residents.

The revitalization of the Gratiot Site will complement ongoing redevelopment efforts in the surrounding Paradise Valley, Eastern Market, Brush Park and Lafayette Park neighborhoods. A future phase of development will introduce a vibrant central park feature, offering essential public open spaces and park amenities. This addition will significantly enhance the pedestrian experience, fostering a more enjoyable, pedestrian friendly, environment for the community.

"Bedrock's plans for the Gratiot Site, along with its partnership with BAMF Health, will help to strengthen Detroit's position as a leader in innovation, especially in the areas of high-tech medical research and world-class health care. This beautiful new campus also will create an important new gateway into downtown," said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.

The initial phase of construction on the site is slated to commence in 2025 with the Life Science Innovation Building, marking a significant milestone in Detroit's journey toward establishing itself as a premier destination for technology, entrepreneurship, and life sciences.

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