The University of Michigan has finalized the purchase of a 2.3-acre plot of land in Detroit for $9.5 million, a move that is part of a broader plan to develop the future site of their Center for Innovation. As ClickOnDetroit reported, the land which sits at 2201 W. Grand River Avenue, was acquired from the MGM Grand Detroit casino and is located directly across from the upcoming university facility that is currently under construction.

The property is slated to feature a parking structure to support the Center for Innovation, with the potential for retail space on the first floor. Although plans for the design are still in the early phases, the new development is a significant addition to the 2.1 acres the university received in December 2023 from Olympia Development of Michigan. Combining the two properties, the project's footprint will now double, "strategically located across the street from the U-M Center for Innovation,” according to the university announcement.

Featherstone Garden, an entity distinct from the casino, had licensed the newly purchased plot for its urban farming operations. The garden, which has another location in Detroit's Morningside neighborhood, grows a variety of produce that it sells to locals and chefs. In a statement obtained by BridgeDetroit, Featherstone Garden expressed its intention to relocate as many of its resources as possible to its other site, with the university extending its lease until June 20, 2025, to facilitate the transition.

Annie Hakim, owner of Featherstone Garden, confirmed the lease extension, noting, "U of M has agreed to extend our lease by three months so that we can better manage the relocation of the resources on the site to our east side garden in Morningside." This was further corroborated by a U-M spokesperson, ensuring the urban farm additional time to move their gardening beds, soil, and equipment, as per BridgeDetroit. In response to their impending relocation, DTE Energy has emerged as a supportive figure, despite not being formally involved in the land transaction. DTE's role has been characterized by Hakim as proactive and community-oriented, with employees engaging with the farm and facilitating food pop-ups.

The $250 million Center for Innovation project, bolstered by a $100 million state contribution, aims to foster research, education, and entrepreneurial growth in technology and innovation. Once the six-story, 200,000-gross-square-foot building is complete—anticipated by spring 2027—visitors will be able to monitor its progress via a live webcam provided by the university. Furthermore, as reported by the University of Michigan, the Center for Innovation is designed to stimulate job creation and economic growth throughout Detroit and beyond.