Renderings of M-1 Tech Center released

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
image description
An aerial rendering looking west of the M-1 Tech Center.
M-1 Rail

M-1 Rail in Detroit, Mich., has released conceptual renderings of the nearly 19,000-square-foot Penske Tech Center facility, where the streetcar's technology systems, vehicles and operations team will be based.

 

The tech center will be located between Bethune and Custer Avenues, at the northern end of the 3.3-mile modern streetcar system. It is named Penske Tech Center, in recognition of Roger Penske’s leadership of M-1 Rail and Penske Corporation, as one of the major donors to the project.

“We have communicated extensively with the residents and business owners from the neighborhood where the tech center will be located and their input has been invaluable in making sure that the new Tech Center becomes a vibrant part of the community,” said Paul Childs, chief operating officer of M-1 Rail. “From the types of vegetation we use on the grounds, to the building’s actual design and location on the property, the voices from the community have given M-1 Rail terrific guidance.”

Childs said that among the design decisions for the tech center, the community members’ recommendations included the tech center building will be closer to Woodward Avenue, putting streetcar storage in a well-kept area behind the facility; the exterior will be made of red brick, which is more representative of the historical look and feel of the surrounding neighborhood than other materials such as stucco or metal; decorative metal fencing will be used for the perimeter of the storage area behind the facility; decorative lighting will be used on the exterior of the building and will be both functional for safety and security, but will not disturb surrounding properties and the landscaping will include plants and other vegetation indicative to the neighborhood.

Tech Center construction is already underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2015.

The Design/Build Team for the Tech Center includes Turner Construction Company, 3.L.K. Construction, ABE Associates, Inc., and RNL.

 

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