Detroit Red Wings executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman today announced that the team has hired Nicklas Lidstrom as vice president of hockey operations.

One of the most decorated players in NHL history, Lidstrom, 51, will be involved in all aspects of hockey operations for the Red Wings in his new role. Lidstrom spent his entire 20-season NHL career with Detroit, joining the organization as a third-round draft pick (53rd overall) in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, debuting for the team during the 1991-92 season and serving as the team’s captain in his final six seasons with the team (2006-12) before retiring on May 31, 2012. Lidstrom’s No. 5 jersey was retired by the organization during the 2013-14 campaign, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015 in his first year of eligibility.

Lidstrom’s on-ice accomplishments are headlined by four Stanley Cup championships in 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2008, the last of which made him the first European-born captain to hoist the Stanley Cup. He still ranks as the highest-scoring defenseman in franchise history, amassing 1,142 points (264-878-1,142) in 1,564 career games, while sitting second among players at any position in Red Wings history in playoff production, with 183 points (54-129-183) in 263 contests — which stands as the NHL record for postseason games played for a single franchise. The Red Wings qualified for the playoffs in each of Lidstrom’s 20 seasons, making him one of just two players (Larry Robinson) in NHL history to play in at least 20 seasons and never miss the playoffs. He was also awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most-valuable player in the playoffs in 2002.

Lidstrom became the first European-born and trained player to win the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman and went on to claim the trophy on six more occasions (2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2011). He was named to the NHL All-Star Game in 12 seasons and finished on the NHL’s First All-Star Team 10 times and on the Second All-Star Team twice. Lidstrom produced at least 60 points in nine of his seasons with Detroit and holds single-season franchise records for assists (64) and points (80) by a defenseman. A native of Vasteras, Sweden, Lidstrom is also a member of the exclusive Triple Gold Club with a Stanley Cup championship, a World Championship gold medal (1991) and an Olympic Games gold medal (2006).

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As 2021 comes to a close, across the Ilitch organization, we are grateful for the opportunity to give back to the communities in which we operate, and for the individuals and organizations who have helped us make a positive impact. A video featuring just some of the 2021 highlights of how the people of our companies work together to serve others can be viewed below.

On behalf of our family companies, happy holidays and best wishes for a bright and hopeful new year.

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On December 13, Olympia Development of Michigan joined with Related Companies and the University of Michigan to announce that the Detroit Center for Innovation (DCI) will be built in The District Detroit, a premier urban live, work, play destination featuring professional sports, entertainment, residential, retail, educational, and office space in the heart of the city.

The announcement was marked by an event inside the historic Women’s City Club, which has been meticulously restored by Olympia Development and is the future home of Spaces – an open, shared office concept from IWG plc.

In addition to Ilitch Holdings CEO Chris Ilitch, Related Companies CEO Stephen Ross, University of Michigan’s President Mark Schlissel and Chair of the Board of Regents Jordan Acker, representatives on behalf of the city, state and local educational institutions delivered remarks on the positive economic and social impact that the new DCI location will have on the people of Detroit, while propelling city-, region-, and statewide job creation and inclusive economic growth.

Other speakers included Michigan Lt. Governor Gilchrist, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, President Pro Tempore of Detroit City Council Mary Sheffield, Detroit’s Cass Technical High School principal Lisa Phillips, Founder of the Detroit Equity Report Bishop Edgar Vann and Sr. Director of Strategy of Operations for ServiceNow Cheick Camara.

The full event can be viewed in the video below.

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Anita Klopfenstein Named Chief Information Officer of the Year and IT Team Wins Breakthrough Technology Award for New Software

Little Caesars, the pizza chain known for revolutionary innovations like the Pizza Portal, received first place in two prominent technology-related award competitions. Michigan CIO has named Anita Klopfenstein Chief Information Officer of the Year and presented her with an ORBIE® Award. The company’s new store software has also won the 2021 Breakthrough Technology Award presented at this year’s MURTEC event by Hospitality Technology Magazine.

“We are thrilled to receive these prestigious recognitions from two of the most prominent voices in the technology industry,” said David Scrivano, President and CEO of Little Caesars. “Anita and our entire technology team have done an excellent job of implementing some of the most advanced software, apps, and innovations around. With such an innovative team, we are continuing to grow by adding even more top talent in the tech space.”

The CIO of the Year® ORBIE® Award is the premier technology executive recognition program in the United States. The award honors chief information officers who have demonstrated excellence in technology leadership. Finalists and winners are selected by an independent peer review process, led by prior ORBIE recipients, based upon leadership and management effectiveness, value created by technology innovation, and engagement in industry and community endeavors.

The MURTEC Breakthrough recognizes restaurant operators who have pioneered groundbreaking technology and innovative strategies in customer engagement or overall enterprise. It is presented to the company that has leveraged a specific strategy or technology beyond standard practice to improve overall restaurant operations and reveal an increase or marked improvement in efficiency or cost savings.

With so much opportunity in technology, Little Caesars is hiring across the business, focusing heavily on tech recruitment and recruitment of store crew members and managers. In addition, distribution centers are hiring warehouse team members and drivers. The company offers colleagues many opportunities for growth and advancement, with many corporate employees beginning their careers at the store level. In fact, 70% of Little Caesars crew members have been promoted to manager level or above and 25% of corporate employees began their careers as store crew members.

To learn more, visit https://littlecaesars.com/en-us/careers/

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Progress continues at the former Eddystone Hotel at 110 Sproat St., which is slated for 96 residential units of which 20 percent will be affordable housing. Installation of historically-accurate windows inspired by the original wood frames from 1924 began on schedule this Monday.

Construction on the nearly 100-year-old building is led by Michigan-based O’Brien Construction Company and the plans follow designs developed by architects at Detroit-based Kraemer Design Group, who are also behind the historic renovation of the former Women’s City Club redevelopment project. Additionally, the overall project is providing nearly 500 new jobs including construction, construction-related and permanent positions.

The $35 million redevelopment of the former Eddystone Hotel, located in The District Detroit adjacent to Little Caesars Arena, includes 4,000 square-feet of ground floor lobby and retail space in addition to the residential units, and is on schedule for Fall 2021 completion. For information about living in The District Detroit, please visit: http://www.districtdetroit.com/residential.

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University of Michigan, Related Companies and Olympia Development to advance innovation- and talent-focused community development, propelling job creation and creating opportunity for Detroiters and residents across Michigan

$250 million Detroit Center for Innovation research and education center seeded by a $100 million donation by Stephen Ross and the contribution of land by the Ilitch organization

Olympia Development and Related to pursue additional development surrounding the DCI including commercial office, retail, historic preservation, green space, and market-rate and affordable housing

Digital workflow leader ServiceNow commits to expanding its workforce and collaborations with local universities to strengthen talent development and access to opportunity

Related Companies, Olympia Development of Michigan, and the University of Michigan today announced that the Detroit Center for Innovation (DCI) will be built in The District Detroit, a premier sports and entertainment destination featuring residential, retail, educational, and office space in the heart of the city. The new location of the DCI ensures that it will have the maximum positive economic and social impact on the people of Detroit, while propelling city-, region-, and statewide job creation and inclusive economic growth.

The three-building DCI campus is to be built on what is currently an approximately four-acre, development-ready surface parking area between Cass and Grand River and between W. Columbia Street on the north and Elizabeth Street on the south. It will be anchored by an estimated $250 million, 200,000 square foot world-class research and education center to be operated by the University of Michigan, the nation’s leading public research institution. The research and education center is expected to be accompanied by a technology incubator in the to-be restored and expanded former Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge building located at 2115 Cass Ave. A third building will be new construction and create nearly 300 units of housing along Cass Ave. The DCI campus will also include green space.

“As a native Detroiter, I believe it is critical for the DCI to have a catalytic economic and social impact on the people of Detroit. That impact will be best achieved in The District Detroit where it will connect with existing density and ignite additional development, especially with technology leaders like ServiceNow driving job creation, attracting entrepreneurs, and inspiring the next generation of trailblazing talent,” said Stephen Ross, Chairman of Related Companies. “I have tremendous respect for Christopher Ilitch and Olympia Development’s longstanding commitment to Detroit and am thrilled to partner with them to contribute to the vision of The District Detroit for the betterment of our entire community.”

The DCI research and education center is seeded by a $100 million donation by Stephen Ross and the contribution of land by the Ilitch organization. Groundbreaking is expected to begin in 2023.

“The Detroit Center for Innovation will increase access to opportunity for Detroiters, help nurture and retain talent, and drive positive social and economic impacts throughout the city, region, and state,” said Christopher Ilitch, President and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc. “We look forward to working with Stephen Ross and Related Companies – leaders in creating visionary neighborhoods, in developing affordable housing, and in creating unique places across the country – along with the University of Michigan to support the growth of the DCI.”

Olympia Development and Related also announced today that they are exploring additional development opportunities in The District Detroit that will amplify the positive impact of the DCI, which will center around a purpose-driven enterprise committed to working closely with local Detroit minority- and women-owned businesses in its development efforts. ODM and Related will engage stakeholders across the city in discussions around potential future development. More information will be shared in the coming weeks and months. Related and ODM are expected to focus on job creation and accelerating community-minded priority developments, including preservation and adaptive reuse of existing historic buildings, affordable and market-rate housing, sustainable green spaces and commercial office, retail, and restaurants.

ServiceNow, the leading digital workflow company making the world of work, work better for people, recognizes Detroit and the DCI as ideal locations for its workforce growth and talent needs. ServiceNow plans to expand its current employee base there, as well as build a skilled technology talent pipeline for the future. The company, whose Now Platform is used by approximately 80% of the Fortune 500, has also committed to creating partnerships and other talent-related opportunities with universities such as Wayne State and the University of Michigan Engineering Career Resource Center, as well as with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, in the Detroit area.

“ServiceNow is deeply inspired to partner with Stephen Ross and the Detroit Center for Innovation,” said Bill McDermott, President and Chief Executive Officer of ServiceNow. “The amazing talent we need for our company is here in Detroit. We will build a team here, invest in this community, and establish a new innovation hub at the forefront of digital transformation.”

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer noted that the DCI and surrounding development would help Michigan address some of its most pressing challenges and opportunities.

“Michigan is the home of opportunity, and the DCI will provide more access to economic growth for Detroiters and residents across our state. This unique community-driven development will catalyze entrepreneurship, attract new businesses to Michigan, and grow our state’s world-class workforce,” Whitmer said.

“The community-centered development vision for the Detroit Center for Innovation is an essential component of closing Detroit’s equity gap and creating economic opportunities for all Detroiters,” said Bishop Edgar Vann, Founder of the Detroit Equity Report. “A collaboration of this magnitude, bringing together preeminent business leaders and educational institutions, offers a critical model for community-building and I look forward to partnering with them as the DCI comes to life.”

Detroit Mayor Michael Duggan has expressed his support.

“It’s exciting to envision what we can accomplish along the Grand River corridor to boost residents, job creation, education, and small businesses,” Duggan said. “Building on the successful development already underway in The District Detroit, plans to add a ServiceNow presence and the DCI provide a compelling catalyst for additional development and opportunity to follow.”

Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), also voiced support for the DCI.

“We are optimistic that DPSCD students will have an opportunity to access this opportunity as we know that Detroit does not have a talent gap but an opportunity gap,” said Dr. Vitti. “The opportunity is realized when students from the school district are invested in because this creates the potential for at scale, not isolated, long-term impact.”

With the addition of the Detroit Center for Innovation, The District Detroit – already home to Wayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business – will further become a centerpiece for education, innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and the retention and growth of talent. Wayne State and the University of Michigan are expected to explore programmatic partnerships through the DCI.

University of Michigan to operate state-of-the-art research and academic center

The DCI marks a new chapter in the University of Michigan’s long-standing commitment to Detroit and will enhance the university’s ability to drive innovation across a variety of fields in which advanced technology is increasingly critical, according to U-M President Mark Schlissel.

The DCI is unique in that it will provide a space for the university to engage with industry, nonprofit and community partners to develop the most relevant academic programs and identify research opportunities of mutual interest and benefit, Schlissel said.

“We are enthusiastic about what the Detroit Center for Innovation will mean for the city, its residents and businesses and our current and future students,” Schlissel said. “The University of Michigan is already setting the groundwork for this new academic center, and we look forward to providing the kind of advanced educational programs that will meet the needs of an evolving workforce and move our economy forward.”

The new academic center in The District Detroit is part of the university’s growing footprint in and around Detroit, where the university was founded in 1817. The university’s local presence includes its nearby UM-Dearborn campus, a “cradle to career” P-20 collaboration with the Detroit Public Schools Community District at Marygrove College in Northwest Detroit and the U-M Detroit Center on Woodward Avenue.

Currently, the university’s Detroit-based programs and functions include several initiatives designed to serve the city of Detroit and its residents through education, research, and service. They include a dedicated undergraduate admissions office, the Detroit Community-Academic Urban Research Center and the Partnership on Economic Mobility, a joint effort between U-M’s Poverty Solutions initiative and the city to identify and implement concrete, evidence-based strategies that improve economic opportunity and reduce poverty in Detroit.

University of Michigan Board of Regents Chair Jordan Acker, in noting the board’s support for the project, hailed the announcement as a win for both the university and the city.

“Our students will have the opportunity to gain the unique skills, knowledge and experience needed to lead the tech-driven economy of the future,” Acker said. “And Detroit, as well as the wider region, will soon be able to tap into a new talent pipeline tailored to meet the needs of the local economy.”

While the university will provide instruction at the DCI’s academic center, degrees and certificates will be awarded through the Ann Arbor campus. The academic center is designed to serve U-M students in the last year of their undergraduate program, as well as students seeking graduate degrees or certificates that indicate completion of specified programs to learn the tech and other skills needed to advance their careers.

When opened, the DCI will provide Michigan businesses and communities a pipeline of talent and offer opportunities for current workers to further their skills in a world of fast-paced technological change. It will also build on Detroit’s growing presence as a center for innovation, which now includes Ford’s new Corktown mobility innovation campus, TechTown Detroit and Wayne State University.

The academic center will be designed with faculty input and give faculty and students the opportunity to engage in interesting, innovative research across fields where advanced technology is important. Business incubators, research and development, and collaboration space for large established companies, co-working space, and startup support services will also be available, bringing top minds from the private sector together with the public and academic sectors. The collaborative approach will encourage business growth in Detroit as students graduate and start their own businesses in the area, with continued support from the DCI.

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The District Detroit is steadily redeveloping a critical part of the city, including increasing retail, residential, educational, and commercial office developments

Olympia Development of Michigan remains dedicated to improving the lives of people who live, work, and play in Detroit and beyond. Through catalytic developments, innovative design and construction, and inclusive placemaking, Olympia Development continues to create jobs, increase tax base, and grow businesses in Detroit while steadily creating one of the world’s most dynamic sports and entertainment destinations, The District Detroit. The District Detroit also includes retail, residential, educational, and commercial office developments, such as the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University, the Detroit Center for Innovation, and the Little Caesars World Headquarters.

Steady and balanced development continues, as demonstrated by the following complete or in-progress projects.

• Eddystone: The Eddystone has been completed on schedule, leasing is underway and new residents have started moving in as of December 1, 2021, offering 92 residential units, twenty percent of which are reserved as affordable housing. The local team from Four Man Ladder, operators of Detroit favorites Grey Ghost and Second Best, will operate the Eddystone’s ground-floor restaurant, Basan.

• 2715 Woodward: Earlier this year, the state-of-the-art, new-construction building located at 2715 Woodward Ave., between Little Caesars Arena and the Mike Ilitch School of Business opened. Olympia Development was pleased to welcome tenants Warner Norcross + Judd LLP and Boston Consulting Group to The District Detroit as both organizations have moved into their office spaces in 2021.

• Women’s City Club: Work is nearing completion on the revitalization of the historic Women’s City Club building, which will become a hub for small businesses and entrepreneurs, creating jobs and bringing increased density to the Park Avenue Historic District. The building will include 46,000 square feet of office space, including new occupant, Spaces – an open, shared office concept from IWC plc – and 12,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space.

• Henry Street redevelopment: Olympia Development partnered with Cinnaire Solutions to explore the revitalization of seven, 1920s-era historic buildings on a single city block bounded by Henry Street, Cass Avenue, 2nd Street, and the I-75 service drive.  The proposed redevelopment will help to energize the local economy and support the city’s neighborhood revitalization strategy, while providing green spaces and the creation of construction and permanent jobs for Detroiters. Planning work is actively underway, and the project earned  LIHTC support earlier this year. In addition, Olympia Development, Cinnaire Solutions, and Detroit Public Schools partnered with Project Destined to offer a real estate internship program for Detroit kids, during which students focused on the Henry Street redevelopment.

• Columbia Street: This pedestrian-friendly dining and retail destination continues to grow as more small businesses move in. This year, local independently-owned Union Assembly and Eminem’s Mom’s Spaghetti opened in the ground floor of the Little Caesars World Headquarters – the first major headquarters built in Detroit in more than a decade – joining Frita Batidos and M Den on Columbia Street. Columbia Street has hosted a variety of District Detroit free events including Workouts featuring Pilates and HIIT training classes, the popular Art Walks series highlighting the work of Detroit-area artists and Acoustic Nights headlining local bands. In 2022 The District Detroit looks forward to returning many events to Columbia Street and introducing several new ones.

Here’s a snapshot of the economic benefits of The District Detroit to the people of the city, region and state of Michigan:

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Detroit’s historic Eddystone residences, located in the heart of The District Detroit, is welcoming tenants for the first time in more than two decades. Featuring 13 stories of open floor plans at the corner of Park and Sproat, the Eddystone has been meticulously restored, down to the finest detail – from the exquisite, stenciled woodwork in the front lobby to the spacious suites complete with quartz countertops and beautiful backsplashes.

“The Eddystone is true to Detroit, and this is the place to be!” said Jennifer Durden, a Washington, D.C.-area transplant who just moved to Detroit to start her career in housing law. “I’m so excited to move to Detroit, to launch my career, and make the Eddystone my home.”

For Jennifer, the location, onsite fitness center, top-of-the-line finishes and access to an in-suite washer and dryer drew her to the Eddystone.

For others, like metro Detroit native Jacob Drewek, it’s the Eddystone’s proximity within walking distance to all the city’s finest sports and entertainment venues – including Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park.

“Why not live in the best city in Michigan?” Jacob exclaimed. “I’m a big sports guy, and I love going to Red Wings, Pistons, Tigers and Lions games… there’s no better place to be down in Detroit than here at the Eddystone.”

Eddystone resident video [click to view]

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Olympia Development of Michigan led the restoration, selecting Detroit-based Kraemer Design Group as the architect and O’Brien Construction as construction manager. The Eddystone residences are managed by Hayman Company and the building features 92 thoughtfully designed studio, one and two-bedroom apartments – all boasting stylized interior finishes, open concept floor plans and smart home technology. A full list of features and amenities can be found here.

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Whether it’s the 1920s-style scenery featured in the Eddystone Collective that showcases the diversity and unique style of the city itself – or the highly anticipated opening of the Four Man Ladder-operated Basan restaurant and lounge, the historic Eddystone residences truly offer a blend of modern amenities and historic charm in the District Detroit.

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Jennifer fondly shares this thought with anyone who wants to begin their next journey in the heartbeat of the city: “The Eddystone is a beautifully renovated, historic building – and this is a new chapter of my life… a new start, and a new beginning for me.”

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If you are interested in learning more about life at the historic Eddystone residences, you can fill out a leasing application or call (313) 379-6344 for more information.

World Series Champion, Two-Time All-Star, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Winner Joins Tigers

The Detroit Tigers announced that they have agreed to terms with shortstop Javier Báez on a six-year contract.

“There’s no secret that improving the middle of our infield was a top priority for us this off-season, and we’re thrilled to announce the addition of one of baseball’s most electric players to help fill that need,” said Al Avila, Detroit Tigers Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager. “Javy’s track record shows he’ll be an elite defender, and a special bat in the heart of our lineup. He’s a key piece to a highly competitive core of players that we are developing here in Detroit. Javy plays with tremendous passion, and we are looking forward to seeing the natural leadership abilities he brings both on and off the field to help us win.”

Báez, 29, split the 2021 season between the Chicago Cubs and the New York Mets, posting a .265/.319/.494 slashline with 18 doubles, two triples, 31 home runs and 87 RBI in 138 games. He also finished the season with 18 stolen bases, which ranked ninth in the NL. Báez was one of four Major League players to finish the season with at least 31 home runs, 87 RBI and 18 steals (also, Shohei Ohtani, José Ramírez and Fernando Tatis Jr.), and was one of the most productive players in baseball during September/October, ranking 12^th in the Majors with a 169 wRC+.

“I’m excited to be a Detroit Tiger,” said Baez. “This is a team that is on the rise, and I’ve heard the fans in Detroit are hungry for a winner. We have a strong mix of veterans and talented young players and I’m looking forward to joining this group to make a run at the playoffs and bring the city a World Series championship.”

A native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Báez has played in eight Major League seasons, hitting a combined .264/.307/.477 with 160 doubles, 19 triples, 149 home runs and 465 RBI in 862 games. He has been selected to two All-Star Games, starting for the National League at second base in 2018 and shortstop in 2019. Báez won a Gold Glove at shortstop in 2020, and according to Sports Info Solutions has led the Majors in defensive runs saved over the last three seasons. He finished second in voting for the NL Most Valuable Player in 2018 after hitting .290/.326/.554 with 40 doubles, nine triples, 34 home runs and a NL leading 111 RBI. He also ranked second that season in the NL in triples (9) and extra-base hits (83), third in total bases (336), fourth in slugging percentage (.554), sixth in doubles (40), seventh in home runs (34) and bWAR (6.4) and eighth in runs scored (101) and hits (176).

Báez has significant experience in the postseason, playing in 36 games. He was a key part of the Cubs World Series championship in 2016, earning co-Most Valuable Player honors in the 2016 NLCS vs. the Dodgers after hitting .316/.333/.500 with four doubles and five RBI.

Báez resides in Dorado, PR with his wife, Irmarie Marquez, and their sons, Adrian and Aiden. He was originally selected by the Chicago Cubs with the ninth overall selection in the 2011 MLB Draft from Arlington Country Day School (FL). Báez was acquired by the Mets along with Trevor Williams from Chicago (NL) in exchange for Pete Crow-Armstrong on July 30, 2021.