GM Tech Center to undergo studio expansion in final phase of renovations

In 2018, a metro Detroit landmark will start the final phase of a $1 billion, multi-year transformation. In this final phase, the GM Global Technical Center in Warren will undergo a 360,000-square-foot design studio expansion, surrounding the award-winning Design Dome Auditorium and viewing patio and connecting to the existing Design Center.

General Motors

Designed by architect Eero Saarinen and landscape architect Thomas Church and opened in 1956, the Warren Tech Center was named a National Historic Landmark in 2014 (find historic photos of the midcentury masterpiece here). In 2000, the campus was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1986, the American Institute of Architects honored the Tech Center as the most outstanding architectural project of its era.

The Tech Center started a massive overhaul and “sprucing up” to the campus in 2015. Building renovations include thus far include the Vehicle Engineering Center, the Alternative Energy Center (including a new Structural Development Lab), Pre-Production Operations, and Engineering West and South. Construction on the new design studio will start after the completion of a parking structure.

Walbridge is managing the design and construction of the new Design studios, in partnership with SmithGroup JJR.