American Axle
Detroit, Michigan

In 2002, Clayco teamed up with Alberici Constructors to build a new world headquarters for American Axle in Detroit. Completed in the summer of 2003, the approximately $32 million, eight-story, 248,000-square-foot office building, which includes one level of underground parking, was constructed on a 19-acre site at the northeast corner of Holbrook and Interstate 75 in the city of Detroit. Adjacent to the office building, Clayco and Alberici also built a 225,000-square-foot, two-story parking deck that accommodates more than 500 vehicles. The site of the new development was part of AAM`s existing 174-acre campus.

Housing approximately 500 employees, the new headquarters allowed AAM to consolidate many of its corporate departments into one location. Previously, a number of the corporate administrative personnel and executives were scattered among several buildings on the company`s campus, and approximately 200 people transferred to the Detroit headquarters from other locations in Michigan.

Designed by Luckenbach/Ziegelman Architects P.L.L.C., the new headquarters is constructed of a reflective glass curtain wall and architectural precast panels with limestone accents at the front entry. In order to provide optimal efficiency and reduce energy costs, the building features a triple glazing system with a high insulation value and high-tech mechanical systems. The building includes a 300-seat cafeteria and 300-seat auditorium on the first floor, a two-story lobby with bridges and an open floor plan throughout.