On Dec. 14, 2023, the University of Michigan Center for Innovation (UMCI) in Detroit broke ground with high-energy musical performances and 13 shovels held by leaders of the partners bringing the project to fruition.

The center will be funded by a $100 million gift from donor Stephen M. Ross, $100 million from the state of Michigan, a land donation of 2.08 acres at the intersection of Grand River Avenue and West Columbia Street from Olympia Development of Michigan, and an additional $50 million will be raised from donors.

The cornerstone of the first building of the university was laid on Sept. 14, 1817—near the corner of Bates and Congress streets in Detroit—not too far from where the new UMCI will be located.