John Gallagher

Detroit Free Press

Ford announced Wednesday the latest piece of its multiyear transformation of its Dearborn campus with a scheduled ground-breaking of Wagner Place, a mixed-use development.

Ford is remaking two blocks of largely vacant buildings in the west Dearborn area into a 50,000-square-foot development featuring first-floor retail and restaurants and Ford offices above.

In a key feature, Ford aims to have Wagner Place certified for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design with water and energy conservation features.

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When completed, Wagner Place will be occupied by some 600 Ford global data insights and analytics (GDIA) employees. The growing GDIA team is working to transform the customer experience, enabling new mobility products and services and helping Ford operate more efficiently.

“Developing an urban office environment positions Ford to offer a work setting that will appeal to a new generation of employees,” said Dave Dubensky, CEO of Ford Land, the automaker's real estate and development arm. “Wagner Place supports our goals to create a more collaborative and inviting campus atmosphere for all employees.”

Dubensky said the project will complement the existing streetscape with varying roof lines, windows, awnings and green space. The development will feature the restored façade of the 120-year-old former Wagner Hotel with its notable turret.

Contact John Gallagher: 313-222-5173 or gallagher@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @jgallagherfreep.