The University of Michigan Health is set to establish a long-term presence in Oakland County with the purchase of 7.28 acres of vacant land at the former Kmart Corp. headquarters in Troy, Michigan. Dr. Marschall Runge, CEO of Michigan Medicine, expressed his excitement about the university’s plans to provide world-class care close to home for Michiganders and expand its presence in southeast Michigan.
The new facility will focus on advanced specialty and diagnostic services as part of a broader effort to improve patient access and clinical services in the region. Dr. David Miller, president of U-M Health, highlighted that the center will include a clinical program for multidisciplinary cancer care.
In keeping with its commitment to sustainability, the building will adhere to university guidelines for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). This will minimize environmental impacts and ensure that the facility is built to meet modern standards for energy efficiency and sustainability.
The former Kmart Corp. headquarters, which opened in the early 1970s, has been vacant since 2006 when Kmart merged with Sears Holdings Corp. and moved operations to the Sears headquarters in suburban Chicago. Demolition of the building and parking structure began last year, with Forbes/Frankel Troy Ventures funding the demolition costs. Windows on the rear of the headquarters were boarded up in preparation for demolition to commence.
Overall, this acquisition represents a significant investment by U-M Health in Oakland County’s healthcare infrastructure and underscores its commitment to providing high-quality care to patients across Southeast Michigan.
