DTE campus improvements complete, adding interest to west side of downtown

DTE Energy unveiled $52 million in campus improvements on Monday. The work sees the company joining the ranks of MGM Grand, the Rosa Parks Transit Center, Book Cadillac and the Fort Shelby in contributing to the growth of the west side of downtown.

It all got started in 2005, when the construction of the casino parking garage on Third Street took care of employee parking needs -- which then created an opportunity for green space. Acres of unsightly surface parking lots were traded for nine acres of pathways, parks and water features. A striking new main entrance and lobby was also added, as well as conference space and a central main-floor dining area.

The southwest quadrant of the campus at the corner of Bagley and Third is open to the public and will serve as the main visitors' entrance. Here, water flows from three arches that frame the main driveway into an intricate 26,000-square-foot reflecting pond. The water feature will be retired in cold months, but the striped rock bed will continue to add visual interest.

The remainder of the campus' 18.5 acres of green space is reserved for employee use. Over 600 trees were planted overall -- one in particular represents the 2 millionth tree that DTE planted in the state of Michigan.

DTE is also putting its money where its mouth is in terms of improving its headquarters’ energy efficiency. The additions all make use of triple-glazed glass, day-lighting and light-sensitive adjustable LED lights. The new cafeteria uses all compostable cutlery, plates, cups and take-out containers. Existing lights are being replaced with efficient counterparts and the installation of a campus-wide energy management system is being explored. "We're doing what we’re asking our customers to do," says Rick Carrithers, Director of Facility Optimization.

Sources: Carlo Arnini, Rick Carrithers and Leonard Singer, DTE Energy
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
Photo: Marvin Shaouni