DLZ’s Leading the Design for Detroit’s New DDOT Operations and Maintenance Facility

DLZ is proud to lead the design for Detroit’s state-of-the-art Coolidge Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF). Collaborating with the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and other partners, Mayor Mike Duggan kick-started this project to replace the former Coolidge Terminal, which ceased operations in 2011 due to fire damage. The new 200,000-square-foot complex, funded with a total cost of $160 million, will serve as the hub for DDOT’s operations, maintenance, and storage on the west side of Detroit. It will feature three buildings, including a maintenance building, a bus storage building, and an operations building. With increased operational capabilities and a focus on safety and reliability, the new Coolidge OMF will greatly enhance the quality of service for DDOT customers.

DLZ, together with the City of Detroit, is leading the design of this project, which is part of broader efforts to modernize Detroit’s transportation infrastructure. The project, which received approval from the Detroit City Council, will be funded by various sources, including the Federal Transit Administration, the City of Detroit, and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Construction is underway, the new Coolidge OMF will replace the existing Gilbert Terminal and contribute to a greener and more efficient transportation system for the community.

Contact: Eric Beaulieu, AIA, LEED AP

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DLZ Michigan Celebrates the Holidays!

DLZ’s Lansing office kicked off the holiday season with a cubicle decorating contest. There were a lot of great entries but one of our environmental scientists, Bridget Smith, took the win with her ski lodge-themed cubicle (below). The staff had a wonderful time celebrating the holidays with each other while enjoying brunch, competing in an ugly sweater competition, and participating in a white elephant gift exchange.

DLZ’s Muskegon and Grand Rapids offices again volunteered at a local shelter by walking dogs looking for adoption. This is becoming a tradition our employees enjoy!

DLZ’s Waterford office Gets a Remodel

DLZ understands the importance of updating work environments over time not only for aesthetics but for user comfort as well. We have completed numerous office remodels and our latest is our very own Waterford, MI office. The before and after photos are below.

Before – Top | After – Bottom

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Employee Spotlight:
Kathryn Maki, P.E.

Q: How long have you worked for DLZ and what is your role?
A: 5 years; however, DLZ acquired my previous employer so I’ve had some of the same coworkers for almost 20 years. I’m a civil engineer who does a lot of water and sewer work, asset management, assessment, planning, and grant writing as well as some recreational projects such as bike paths and parks.

Q: What is the most interesting project you were part of?
A: A start-to-finish (and beyond!) bike path project. It started from helping write the grant in the early stages to the routing, design, specifications, and bidding and reviewing the shop drawings and construction administration. Then it was on to attend the ribbon cutting, and now enjoying those fun summertime bike rides!

Q: What is your greatest work accomplishment?
A: Working with the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department Permits and Stormwater Management Group. It was full of variety and I loved the people there, even though we were all working from home and only met through a computer screen! It was so interesting learning some of the City’s history through its utilities while seeing its ongoing revitalization through new development. We’d work with the new developers to ensure the City’s standards were met or exceeded but we also got to troubleshoot changes and improvements to the utility systems. I even got to review shop drawings and bypass pumping submittals for the Gordie Howe Int’l Bridge.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your career?
A: The technical aspects are super fun but honestly, it’s the people. Fellow DLZers and clients, even strangers – seeing the smiles on the faces at ‘Walk to School Day’ on the new sidewalk project we just finished.

Q: What is something people don’t know about you?
A: I love architecture and I was a Girl Scout for 13 years!

Q: What’s your secret talent no one knows about?
A: I have an innate ability to look at a clock precisely at 11:11. (I May have just jinxed myself, now that the secret’s out…)

Q: Who has been the most influential person in your life?
A: Mrs. Nancy Stone, my 4th grade teacher at Florence Elementary in Keller, Texas. She fostered in me a lifelong love of reading and a desire to learn. And she also taught us how to balance a checkbook!