Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn has signed a long-term lease to remain in the historic First National Building located at the foot of Campus Martius in downtown Detroit for the next 10 years and beyond. Honigman's headquarters have been located in the iconic Albert Kahn-designed building since the firm was founded in 1948. Bedrock Real Estate Services, which manages the skyscraper located at 660 Woodward Avenue, and Honigman are working together to completely refurbish more than 150,000 square feet of space for the law firm, which houses more than 400 attorneys and team members.
"We are thrilled to renew our commitment to the First National Building and the city of Detroit," said Honigman's Chairman and CEO David Foltyn. "We have a strong relationship with Bedrock Real Estate Services and their affiliated businesses. We applaud and are proud to be a part of Dan Gilbert's tremendous vision which continues to make downtown Detroit a vibrant and exciting place to live, work and play."
Bedrock has invested millions into restoring the classic 1922 high-rise, including renovating its dramatic lobby and common areas. The building's occupancy has gone from approximately 50 percent when Bedrock acquired it to nearly 100 percent today. New innovative and unique retail tenants have also been added, including the popular Roasting Plant coffee shop and the new Central Kitchen + Bar restaurant, which is scheduled to open next week. Just outside, Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square are alive with music, dining and outdoor food trucks. The award winning urban park area is activated year-round with a beach/bar, ice skating rink and other exciting activities, including new, free pick-up basketball and sand volleyball courts.
"Honigman's longstanding presence in the center of downtown Detroit for nearly 70 years says it all; the firm has deep roots in the city and has made a rock solid commitment to the Central Business District. As one of the most highly respected law firms in the state, Honigman continues its remarkable run, building on the momentum of all the great things happening downtown," said Jim Ketai, Managing Partner and CEO of Bedrock Real Estate Services. "We are pleased the firm will remain and grow in downtown Detroit's urban core for years to come."
The M-1 RAIL, currently under construction and scheduled for completion in 2016, will carry passengers curbside both north and south along Woodward Avenue from Jefferson Avenue through downtown and all the way to New Center. In addition, Rocket Fiber high speed internet service will soon be available in the downtown area.
"The transformation we have witnessed downtown in recent years is truly remarkable and it is only just beginning," said Honigman COO Robert Kubic. "Our attorneys and staff thrive in downtown Detroit's collaborative environment. Step outside of our building and you are in the heart of a lively city. Honigman looks forward to creating a cutting-edge workspace that reflects the monumental growth and technology-focused change the city continues to experience."
Honigman's commitment to Detroit extends through its tradition of involvement in organizations that contribute to the vitality of the city and the region. Professionals in the firm hold leadership roles in the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Karmanos Cancer Institute, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and many others. Honigman and its attorneys are committed to the continuing development of Detroit and the region through leading positions with the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Detroit Partnership and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.
Published: Fri, Aug 07, 2015
