The property was used by Southwestern High School for football and for track and field practice. The school is rebuilding these fields on another part of its campus, and is receiving a financial contribution from ArvinMeritor.

The company intends to develop a high technology center for its light vehicle systems division, which will use the building as a product development and testing center for automotive roofs, doors, exhaust systems and related light vehicle components.

ArvinMeritor already operates facilities on surrounding property. The commission based its decision on the fact that most of the area surrounding the property is already zoned for industrial use, except for the high school. Future general land use maps also designate the area as industrial.

A satellite office of ArvinMeritor in Troy will be relocated to the new Detroit office, company officials say.

A brownfield redevelopment plan for the property has already been approved by the city council.