DETROIT – Wayne State University’s Board of Directors approved the sale of the Albert Kahn-designed building at 6001 Cass Ave. to The Platform, a Detroit-based real estate development company, for $2 million.

Built in 1920, the 147,500-square-foot building was designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn. Originally known as the Cadillac Sales and Services Building, it contained offices and a showroom.

In the 1970s, it was converted into classrooms for Wayne State University’s criminal justice program. Now vacant, the building has been used for Detroit Police Department training courses over the years.

“This is an exciting project for the university. This will bring activity, residents and retail to the corridor connecting TechTown with the main campus,” said William Decatur, vice president of finance, treasurer and CFO for Wayne State. “We are able to transform a historic building that has been dormant for years and revive it into something that will be beneficial for everyone.”

A total of 181 residential units are also planned for this property — which borders Antoinette Street, Cass Avenue and York Street — including approximately 64 apartment units and 48 condo units.

“The concept for the entire development at Cass and York calls for 181 residential units, 32,500 of retail space and a parking structure for about 540 cars,” said Mike Hammon, chief development officer for The Platform. “The increase in density will contribute to the rising energy in the TechTown neighborhood.”

“We are thrilled that this project will not only help bring new life to Wayne State’s north campus, but also bring another gallery and top attraction to Detroit,” said Cummings, principal of The Platform. “This goes hand in hand with our goal of creating community and revitalizing our city.”