Two Topping Out Ceremonies in Two Days as Rapid Progress Continues in The District Detroit

DETROIT, May 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --  Local ironworkers constructing the Little Caesars world headquarters campus expansion and the Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business in The District Detroit will hold ceremonial topping out events this week. At the ceremonies, ironworkers will sign their names, attach banners, flags and evergreen trees to structural steel beams that will be hoisted into place and forever be a part of each landmark building. The events mark major construction milestones and represent impressive progress in The District Detroit, as well as the ongoing comeback story in Detroit and across Michigan.

The District Detroit is one of the largest sports and entertainment developments in the country. Located in the heart of Detroit, this 50-block, mixed-use development led by the Ilitch organization unites eight world-class theaters, five neighborhoods and four professional sports teams in one vibrant, walkable destination.

"The construction progress in The District Detroit and throughout the city is remarkable, and we could not be more excited to see two buildings being topped out in two days," said Christopher Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. "These celebrations represent a major step forward in our vision for an even more vibrant and dynamic city, region and state. We're proud to join with the ironworkers to celebrate these important milestones and recognize the tremendous efforts to bring these buildings to life."

Little Caesars Expands World Headquarters Campus as Business Continues Global Growth

Led by Detroit-based contractor Brinker-Christman JV, the expansion of the Little Caesars campus is Detroit's first newly constructed corporate headquarters building in more than a decade and on track to open in 2018. Designed by Detroit-based architect SmithGroupJJR, the new $150 million, nine-story, 234,000 square foot building at the corner of Woodward Avenue and Columbia Street will help anchor The District Detroit's Columbia Street neighborhood.

The state-of-the-art headquarters campus will have collaborative workspace that will help the company continue to attract, train and retain the top talent and franchisees needed to better serve customers around the world. The new space will provide the most modern infrastructure and technologies and world-class amenities to foster collaboration, innovation and connectivity necessary to continue the chain's rapid, global growth.

"Expanding our world headquarters campus will support the growth of every part of Little Caesars, from our employees, to our franchisees, to our customers," said Little Caesars President and CEO David Scrivano. "As a Detroit-born and headquartered business, we're proud to work with the ironworkers, architects and contractors from Detroit and Michigan to create this iconic headquarters building for our global enterprise."

Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business to Bring Students to the Heart of the Action

Detroit-based contractor Christman-Brinker JV is managing construction of the Mike Ilitch School of Business, also designed by Detroit-based architectural firm SmithGroupJJR — continuing the Michigan Made, Detroit Built successes in The District Detroit. The new building was made possible by a $40 million gift from Mike and Marian Ilitch, the largest gift in the history of Wayne State University.

The Mike Ilitch School of Business building will open in 2018 and serve more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Its location at the corner of Woodward Avenue and Temple extends Wayne State University's campus south and closer to the heart of Detroit's business community.

"This topping out is not just a construction milestone, but also a milestone for business education in Detroit," said Wayne State University President M. Roy Wilson. "Thanks to the generosity of Mike and Marian Ilitch, the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders will be educated here in the heart of The District Detroit and will play a vital role in the continued resurgence of our great city."

The District Detroit will ultimately account for a total economic impact of more than $2 billion and create more than 12,500 construction and construction-related jobs in addition to 1,100 permanent jobs.

About The District Detroit

The District Detroit is one of the largest sports and entertainment developments in the country. Located in the heart of Detroit, this 50-block, mixed-use development led by the Ilitch organization unites six world-class theaters, five neighborhoods and four professional sports venues in one vibrant, walkable destination for people who want to live, work and play in an exciting urban environment. Home to the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Pistons and Detroit Lions - The District Detroit represents the greatest density of professional sports teams in one downtown core in the country.

About The Ilitch Companies

The Ilitch companies represent leading brands in the food, sports and entertainment industries, including Little Caesars, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, the Detroit Red Wings, Olympia Entertainment, the Detroit Tigers, Olympia Development, Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. and Champion Foods. Additionally, Marian Ilitch owns MotorCity Casino Hotel.

About Wayne State University

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 380 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 27,000 students. For more information about the Mike Ilitch School of Business, visit business.wayne.edu.

SOURCE The District Detroit