Office space to rent Detroit, MI: Overview and history
Detroit, MI is known for its history in the automotive industry, being home to the “Big Three” automakers: Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. The city also played a major role in music, especially Motown, with the Motown Museum (2648 W Grand Blvd) as a key landmark. Historic buildings like the Detroit Institute of Arts (5200 Woodward Ave) and the Detroit Opera House (1526 Broadway St) reflect the city’s cultural and architectural heritage. Founded in 1701, Detroit grew rapidly with the rise of the automotive industry in the early 20th century.
Detroit’s history is marked by its industrial growth, especially during the early 1900s with Henry Ford's introduction of assembly lines. The city also has deep ties to the Civil Rights Movement. Historic sites like the Detroit Historical Museum (5401 Woodward Ave) and the Detroit Savings Bank Building (1400 Woodward Ave) showcase the city's growth and diversity. Once a booming industrial hub, Detroit faced economic decline but has made strides in revitalizing its downtown.
Large companies that have chosen Detroit office space
Major companies headquartered in Detroit include General Motors (automotive), Ford Motor Company (automotive), and Quicken Loans (financial services). These companies are mainly located in downtown Detroit and the surrounding areas like the Corktown neighborhood, which has seen growth in tech and creative sectors. The city remains a hub for the automotive and finance industries.
Office and business districts in Detroit, MI
Detroit’s key business districts include downtown Detroit, which is home to most of the city's corporate offices, including those of General Motors and Quicken Loans. The Financial District and Corktown area are also important, with growing startups and tech companies. Midtown Detroit is a major cultural district and home to Wayne State University and other educational institutions.
Cost comparison of renting an office in Detroit
Compared to other large cities, Detroit offers more affordable office rent, business costs, and living expenses. Office rents and the cost of living are much lower than in cities like New York or Chicago. The lower cost of living makes it an attractive option for businesses and startups.
Office space in Detroit: Transport and infrastructure
Detroit has a public transportation system called the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) for buses and the Detroit People Mover, an elevated transit system in the downtown area. The city is becoming more walkable and has some bike lanes, especially in downtown. Major highways leading to Detroit include I-75 (from Cincinnati), I-94 (from Chicago), and I-96 (from Lansing).
Detroit is served by Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), about 18 miles from downtown. The city also has the Port of Detroit, which handles both cargo and passenger ships. The Port of Monroe, about 40 miles away, is another key port for the region.