| In 2002, the University purchased several properties from Detroit Public Schools including 5057 Woodward (Maccabees Building). Following that acquisition the building was renovated to accommodate a number of University departments and programs. Among those that moved into the building were academic departments previously located at 51 West Warren and 71 West Warren. These two buildings have been vacant or under-used since.
In late 2004, the University acquired the commercial and retail properties at 4823-29 Woodward and 4847-69 Woodward. Similarly, in November of 2007 authorization was granted to acquire the former American Civil Liberties Union building at 60 West Hancock. Together with the former Public Safety Building, Simons Building, and 51 and 71 West Warren these real estate purchases resulted in the University's ownership of contiguous properties representing approximately 65 percent of the city block bounded by Woodward, Warren, Cass, and Hancock. Finally, during the summer of 2008 renovations to 6050 Cass in TechTown were completed for the new Public Safety Department Headquarters, thereby vacating their previous location on Hancock.
Demolition is nearly complete. The Subway shop on Warren will remain, as will the Simons Building at the corner of Woodward and Hancock, and 60 West Hancock will continue to accommodate University programs. Following the demolition of the aforementioned buildings most of the land will become an open green space with a meandering sidewalk that cuts across the property diagonally from Woodward to Warren. Other improvements will include site lighting, park benches, lawn irrigation, and planter beds for flowers and ornamental grasses, all of which will enhance this intersection as a major gateway to the campus.
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