The Great Lakes Environmental Law Center has a new home in TechTown, the Wayne State University Research and Technology Park. TechTown is an exciting hub of social and business entrepreneurs in the historic New Amsterdam district of Detroit. TechTown was incorporated in 2000 and opened for business in 2004. The flagship TechOne building has a rich history. It was designed by renowned industrial architect Albert Kahn and features Kahn’s signature skylights – an innovation at the time that introduced ample natural light to industrial workplaces, providing a better working environment that is energy efficient by design. It later became the Chevy Creative Services Building, and the Corvette was designed on the third floor.
Today, TechTown brings together a diverse and exciting group of researchers, new business ventures, entrepreneurs, technology innovators, and community partners. TechTown has several Centers of Excellence with partners that complement the work of the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center. The Great Lakes Center includes the Great Lakes Environmental Digital Library, which is developing a comprehensive environmental data system linkin g atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial measurements of urban watershed quality to give a complete picture of the urban environment at any given time. The Alternative Energy Center includes NextEnergy, Michigan’s leading alternative and renewable energy business incubator and accelerator, which supports progressive policies that advance Michigan as an alternative energy leader. It also includes Carbon Credit Environmental Services, a leader in carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions reduction programs.
TechTown is an exciting location in one of Detroit’s great neighborhoods. It’s also convenient for students and visitors, just a few blocks from the Wayne State University Law School and the around the corner from the train station (which will be even better when the Ann Arbor – Detroit regional train begins operating next year). The Great Lakes Environmental Law Center is proud to be located in midtown Detroit and to be part of the next generation of people, businesses, and organizations that will shape the future of the city.