University of Michigan Center For Innovation

Project Overview

Ideal Contracting is proud to partner with Walbridge as the steel trade contractor for the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in downtown Detroit. This 200,000 SF facility will serve as a world-class hub for research, education, and entrepreneurship—advancing innovation and community development.

The structural steel design is highly complex, featuring 51 sloping columns and 64 Vierendeel members, each with seven pin connections weighing roughly 250 lbs. These long spans and heavy components required meticulous planning. The steel package also includes angled members, elevator cores, façade steel, brackets, braces, and box beams.

To meet these challenges, Ideal Contracting collaborated closely with Cives Steel and our subcontracting partners to ensure precise detailing,
connection design, and seamless coordination for this landmark project.