Wayne State University opened the $28 million, 82,500-square-foot Marvin I. Danto Engineering Development Center on April 27.
The building, located on Warren at Anthony Wayne Drive (a.k.a. Third Street), is intended to couple traditional university research opportunities with an opportunity for students, faculty and even small companies to launch a business.
"We're moving toward taking inventions in engineering and moving them to commercial ventures," says Ralph Kummler, dean of the College of Engineering. "Most of these businesses will stay here -- in part because it is economical for faculty and students to rent (equipment and space) back from us
." Kummler hopes WSU's relationship with
TechTown will aid in that incubation and help keep engineers in Detroit after graduation.
The three-story building features modular labs, "teaming" spaces and
display areas. Architects used a large courtyard outside the College
of Engineering to integrate the new building into the college’s
existing space, and engineering research labs are
visible to passersby on Warren. It is expected to earn a silver LEED certification.
The building was funded primarily with state monies -- with a big boost from Detroit philanthropist and Wayne State College of Engineering alumnus
Marvin Danto, who donated $3 million to the project.
Source: Dean Ralph Kummler, WSU
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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