“Founded in Detroit in 1817.” That’s the echo of the University of Michigan’s commitment resonating as we stand before the University of Michigan Detroit Center.
This isn’t just a building. It’s a gateway. It connects the university and Detroit communities for mutual enrichment. The University of Michigan Detroit Center is a symbol of a nearly 200-year relationship between the city and the University of Michigan.
Opened on September 21, 2005, the Detroit Center addresses a need. It provides office space and a facility to host meetings and events. The 26122-square-foot facility is home to University of Michigan faculty, staff and students.
Originally located within Orchestra Place on Woodward Avenue, the Detroit Center has moved within the building. In 2021, it was announced that the Detroit Center would move to the Rackham building in Midtown Detroit. This came after a 40-million-dollar renovation.
But the University of Michigan Detroit Center is more than just a location. It’s a hub of activity. It serves as a home base to academic units. These units are active participants in Detroit-based research projects. They also facilitate events for the Detroit community.
Consider the College of Engineering and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Think about the School of Education and the School of Public Health. These are just a few of the many University of Michigan departments you’ll find represented here.
The University of Michigan Detroit Center also works with community partners. These partners include the Capuchin Soup Kitchen and the Detroit Area Schools. Together, they carry out research and community services. The Detroit Center facilitates a symbiotic relationship between the university and local partners.
The University of Michigan Detroit Center offers many opportunities. There are activities for intellectual discourse and cultural enlightenment. Most events are free and open to the public.
One example is the Distinctly Detroit Podcast. This podcast explores the crossover of U of M community members living and working in Detroit.
Since 2011, the Detroit Center has partnered with Michigan State University Detroit Center. Together they run the Concert of Colors festival. It is the largest free music festival in Detroit.
Each year, the Detroit Center simulcasts the keynote address for the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Symposium. It also provides a panel featuring local community panelists discussing a topic complementing the symposium theme.
From Chinese Cultural Arts Programs to Youth Theatre Fellows Programs, the University of Michigan Detroit Center has a rich history of past program offerings.
The Detroit Center even organizes volunteers. They relabel, shelve, and catalog books for local schools’ libraries.
As you explore Detroit, remember the University of Michigan Detroit Center. It stands as a testament to the power of partnership. It enriches both the university and the city. It represents a commitment to service, education, research, and cultural exchange.