Bedrock Advances Plan for Innovation District on Former Wayne County Jail Site
Bedrock announced on Tuesday, Dec. 17, a new concept for the former Wayne County Criminal Justice Center complex site in downtown Detroit. The plans call for turning the 14-acre space into an innovation district supporting entrepreneurship, the life sciences, and technology.
As part of its development plans for the site, Bedrock proposes a 220,000-square-foot Life Science Innovation Building, which will house a research and outpatient center for pioneering new medical treatments from BAMF Health.
Bedrock originally acquired the parcel of land in a land swap deal with Wayne County.
“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, in a press release issued to WXYZ News.
Supporting partners in this project include Michigan Innovation Headquarters, Ferris State University, and Wayne State University and its TechTown Detroit entrepreneurial hub.
In an interview with WXYZ News, Ned Staebler, vice president of economic development for Wayne State and president and CEO of TechTown, said the university plans to use its resources in the district to support workforce development for Detroit and help early-stage businesses to grow.
Small businesses located near the innovation district are hopeful that the site’s development efforts will boost the area’s economy.
“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,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan in a prepared statement.
Construction of the Life Science Innovation Building — phase one of the project — is expected to begin in 2025.
