Old American Motors HQ Redeveloped into Research Park

SOUTHFIELD, MI-Jonna Cos. of Southfield has transformed the old American Motors headquarters site here into a 70-acre research office park.

Called American Commerce Centre, the site at 11 Mile and Franklin offers 18 acres of wetlands and the rest for office facilities, says Chief Executive Officer Frank Jonna. Some of the buildings are completed, while some are under construction. There are 15 acres left on the site. The space is being split into two parcels, and deals are imminent, said Jonna.

Barton Malow is building a headquarters on eight acres. A 50,000-sf building houses Lotus Cars USA and Cannon Copying. Infinity Broadcasting has a 20,000-sf studio for WWJ and WXYT.”Southfield is a very convenient location, it services all areas including Downtown Detroit, Auburn Hills and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport,” Jonna said.

The Jonna Cos. is acting as owner, developer and manager on the site. Leasing rates run at about $15.50-sf. Jonna said the project will also benefit by a planned off-ramp from I-696 highway, planned by the Michigan Department of Transportation and the city to go in between Inkster and Franklin.