Buhl Sport Detroit to open headquarters in Corktown

Buhl Sport Detroit, a racing team and motorsports marketing group formed this year and named after IndyCar driver Robbie and Tom Buhl — announced Monday that it's planning to open a headquarters in two Corktown buildings

The office, which they have dubbed the Factory, will be at 1907 and 1927 Michigan Ave. and is expected to open next year, after renovations.

"We decided to make the investment in the city to keep our brand local and to be a part of the continuing renaissance of the area," Robbie Buhl said. "Corktown has a great neighborhood group with a special entertainment vibe, and we want to contribute to that atmosphere."

The buildings are near the old Tiger Stadium site, Slow's Bar BQ, and the Mercury Bar.

The brothers have said that in addition to driving fast, their company's aim is to develop community spirit, and to promote the Motor City.

The 44,000-square-feet of offices, they added, include large spaces that can be used for parties and to show off cars.

The buildings were built in 1907 by Richard E. Raseman, and were originally hosiery factories. At one point, one of the buildings was the headquarters of Chicago Hosiery, which moved to Detroit in 1898.

As a co-owner of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Robbie Buhl fielded cars in 15 Indy 500's. He also has been an on-air racing analyst for ESPN, and a national spokesman for Racing for Kids, a charity that uses auto racing to help children with health care needs.

Tom Buhl is a financial management executive in Grosse Pointe Farms. He is on several boards, including College for Creative Studies, Detroit Zoological Society, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit Historical Society and Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan.

"We are going to invest in the building's infrastructure while maintaining its historic patina," Robbie Buhl said. "There is enough room to house our Red Bull Global Rallycross team as well as companies with like-brands that can benefit from a Detroit address."